Hamas to Return Bodies of Israeli Hostages, Release Captives in Prisoner Exchange
Hamas, the governing authority in the Gaza Strip, has announced its intention to return the bodies of four Israeli hostages held captive within the territory, including members of the Bibas family. The handover is scheduled for Thursday, February 20, and will coincide with Israel’s release of Palestinian prisoners as part of an ongoing ceasefire agreement.
Khalil al-Hayya, the chief negotiator for Hamas, confirmed the decision in a televised address on Al-Aqsa TV. "We have decided to return four bodies on Thursday," he stated. In exchange, Israel will release a number of prisoners as per the terms of the truce that has been in effect since January 19.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the agreement, corroborating the return of the deceased hostages and the subsequent release of six living captives on Saturday. Netanyahu’s office quoted him as saying, "Agreements have been made that the six living hostages will be released on Saturday, during the first phase of the truce in Gaza." He added that four additional deceased hostages are expected to be returned next week.
The exchange is part of a wider agreement reached during indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Cairo. The initial phase of the ceasefire included the release of six living hostages by Hamas, while Israel agreed to release 1,027 Palestinian prisoners in four stages.
The return of the bodies and the release of the prisoners represent a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. It signals a willingness by both sides to de-escalate tensions and move towards a more conciliatory approach.
The Bibas family, whose members were among the hostages killed by Hamas, has welcomed the news of their impending return. "This is a day that we have been waiting for," said Esther Bibas, whose husband Avraham and two sons, Yonatan and Amichai, were killed. "We are grateful that this day has finally come, and we can finally bring them home."
The handover of the bodies is expected to take place at the Erez border crossing between Israel and Gaza. It will be facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which has been involved in the negotiations between the two sides.
The exchange is a complex and sensitive issue that involves the delicate balance between security concerns and humanitarian considerations. The Israeli government has been under intense pressure to secure the release of its citizens, while Hamas has been determined to secure the release of its own prisoners in exchange.
The successful implementation of the exchange agreement would represent a significant step forward in the efforts to resolve the conflict between Israel and Hamas. It would also provide a glimmer of hope for a more peaceful and stable future for the people of the region.
