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Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip: In a significant development ahead of the ceasefire's first phase nearing expiration, Hamas handed over the bodies of four hostages to the Red Cross early Thursday. In return, Israel released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. An Israeli security official confirmed the handover, marking another step in the ongoing negotiations.
Identification Process Underway
The coffins were transported across the Israeli border with the assistance of Egyptian mediators. Israel has confirmed that the process of identifying the bodies has already begun. Around the same time, a Red Cross convoy left Israel’s Ofer prison, carrying several dozen freed Palestinian prisoners.
Israel Had Halted Prisoner Releases
Initially, Israel had planned to release over 600 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday. However, Israeli authorities later announced they would withhold the release of hundreds of detainees until all hostages in Gaza were freed and the "humiliating" method of hostage handovers was stopped.
Controversial Hostage Release by Hamas
Hamas' previous handover of hostages sparked criticism. On Saturday, five of the six released hostages were paraded before a crowd by Hamas members before being freed. The move was widely condemned by the United Nations and other international organizations. In response, Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire by delaying the Palestinian prisoners' release, warning that further negotiations would not proceed until their release was ensured.
'33 Hostages for 2,000 Palestinian Prisoners'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office clarified on Wednesday that there would be no public ceremony during the latest handover of hostages' remains. This exchange fulfills the obligations set under the ceasefire’s first phase. Under this agreement, Hamas has so far returned 33 hostages, including eight bodies, in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
