Europa Press Hamas Will Hand Over Hostages' Bodies and Release Six Captives This Weekend
Benjamin Netanyahu has assured that the delivery of all living hostages from the first phase is a priority to prevent Hamas from using them in future negotiations.
Hamas has announced that this Thursday it will deliver to Israel the bodies of four hostages who died during the attacks on October 7, 2023. Among them are Shiri Bibas and her two children, Ariel and Kfir, who were kidnapped in the Nir Oz kibbutz. This action is part of the preparations for the second phase of the negotiations of the ceasefire agreement in effect since January 19, 2025.
Additionally, Hamas has confirmed that on Saturday it will release six living Israeli hostages, thus completing the first phase of the agreement. Among those released are Hisham al Sayed and Avraham Mengistu. They were captured in 2014 and 2015, respectively, after entering the Gaza Strip on their own.
In exchange, Israel will allow the entry of mobile homes and construction equipment into Gaza. As agreed in the negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assured that the delivery of all living hostages from the first phase is a priority to prevent Hamas from using them in future negotiations. It is expected that talks for the second phase of the ceasefire will begin in the coming days. With the aim of achieving a definitive cessation of hostilities and addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Since the beginning of the conflict, more than 48,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, and Gaza's infrastructure has suffered significant damage, with approximately 70% of the buildings affected. The international community continues to urge both parties to remain calm and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid.
The ceasefire agreement, reached on January 15, 2025, includes a series of phases aimed at ending the violence and establishing a prisoner exchange. The first phase, currently underway, includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages and the release of more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. Subsequent phases will seek to consolidate peace and rebuild the Gaza Strip with the support of the international community.
The international community is closely watching the development of these events, hoping that the measures adopted will lead to lasting peace and the recovery of stability in the region. Cooperation between the parties and the continued support of the mediators will be essential for the success of this process.
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