Hamas has recently announced its plan to release the last four Israeli hostage bodies as part of the initial phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The bodies of Tsachi Idan, Itzhak Elgarat, Ohad Yahalomi, and Shlomo Mantzur are expected to be handed over to Israel on Wednesday night, according to the Hamas armed wing. The Idan family expressed their deep sorrow upon receiving the news, stating that they had received signs of life from Tsachi since his kidnapping and were hopeful about his release during the previous deal last November. They also thanked the Israeli public, media, and the Nahal Oz community for their support. An Israeli official confirmed that arrangements are in place to receive the bodies around 11 p.m. local time.
Egyptian mediators have confirmed a breakthrough in negotiations, enabling the handover of the final four bodies in the first phase of the deal after several days of delays. Hamas acknowledged the agreement for the exchange of hostages for prisoners but emphasized that the release would follow a new mechanism. The European Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, has been prepared to receive the prisoners once they are released. However, Israel had earlier refused to release over 600 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, citing Hamas’s breach of the ceasefire agreement through a public handover of hostages in Gaza, which Israel perceived as an offensive act.
Preceding this, the agreement faced a brief setback when Hamas mistakenly handed over the remains of an unidentified woman instead of Shiri Bibas, a mother of two, before correcting the error the following day. With the 42-day truce set to expire on Saturday, uncertainty remains regarding whether an extension will be agreed upon or if negotiations will commence on the second phase of the deal, which would involve the release of the remaining 59 hostages held in Gaza. Hamas has indicated that no proposal for the second phase has been received yet.
Despite several challenges, the ceasefire deal has managed to hold so far. However, advancing to the second phase would require addressing contentious issues, such as Gaza’s post-war future and the status of Hamas, which Israel has vowed to dismantle as a governing force. The fragility of the ceasefire was highlighted when the Israeli military reported a projectile fired from Gaza that fell within the enclave, currently under investigation.
The exchange of bodies coincides with the funeral of Shiri Bibas and her two sons, Ariel and Kfir, who have become symbols of the widespread trauma experienced by Israelis following the 7 October attack. The Bibas family’s tragic fate has deeply resonated with many, underscoring the human cost of the conflict. Families of the hostages and victims continue to grapple with the emotional and psychological impact of these events, seeking closure and justice.
In summary, the release of the last four Israeli hostage bodies marks a difficult yet significant step in the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The process has been fraught with challenges and delays, highlighting the complexities and sensitivities involved in such negotiations. As the truce’s expiration approaches, the international community and mediators like Egypt play a crucial role in facilitating further progress and preventing escalation. The focus now shifts to whether the parties can overcome historical differences and work towards a more sustainable and peaceful resolution for the region.
