CAIRO — A Hamas official announced that six living Israeli hostages will be released on Saturday, along with the return of four deceased individuals on Thursday. This move comes as Israel allows construction equipment and mobile homes into the devastated Gaza Strip.
The six hostages being freed are the last known alive as part of the current ceasefire deal. Negotiations for a second, more challenging phase are still ongoing. This phase involves Hamas releasing many more hostages in exchange for a longer ceasefire and an Israeli retreat.
Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya mentioned the “Bibas family” would be part of the recovery of the four bodies. This likely refers to Shiri Bibas and her two sons, Ariel and Kfir, whose plight resonates deeply with many in Israel.
While Israel has not confirmed the deaths of the Bibas family members, the prime minister’s office has urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information. Surviving relatives expressed their emotional turmoil, emphasizing the need for confirmation before they could find closure.
Yarden Bibas, the family’s father, was taken hostage at the same time but was released earlier this month. His sons, Kfir and Ariel, were abducted during Hamas’ attack on October 7, which intensified the ongoing conflict.
The six hostages set for release include Eliya Cohen, Tal Shoham, Omer Shem Tov, Omer Wenkert, Hisham Al-Sayed, and Avera Mengistu. Cohen, Shem Tov, and Wenkert were captured at a music festival, while Shoham was taken from the community of Kibbutz Beeri. Al-Sayed and Mengistu had been held since entering Gaza years prior.
An anonymous Israeli official confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to allow necessary supplies into Gaza to hasten hostage releases. Recently, Hamas had threatened to stall these releases over complaints regarding the conditions of the truce.
Heavy machinery to clear rubble began entering Gaza earlier this week, with reports of multiple bulldozers and tractors lined up at crossings. These efforts aim to assist the population still recovering from the conflict.
Israel has been releasing Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages. Most Palestinian women and children taken since the beginning of the war will also be released in this period.
Despite the temporary pause in fighting, serious challenges remain. Israel aims to dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities in Gaza, while the militant group remains firmly in control. This control was reaffirmed during the ceasefire, contributing to ongoing tensions in the region.
While a plan proposed by former President Donald Trump aimed at relocating Gaza’s population was rejected, Egypt is working on an alternative that seeks to rebuild without displacing residents. Both Egypt and the Palestinian community have voiced a clear desire to remain in their homeland.
Releases of hostages have stirred strong emotions among Israelis, especially after seeing captured individuals in distressing conditions. Meanwhile, released Palestinians have reported suffering during their detention, raising further concerns over human rights.
Currently, about 60 hostages remain with Hamas, more than half of whom are believed to be dead. The overall situation remains fragile, with a ceasefire in place until March and fears of renewed conflict looming.
The violence since October 7 has resulted in significant losses, with many civilians affected. As hostages are released and more negotiations unfold, the hope for a lasting solution remains a central concern.
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