In a tense trade, Hamas handed over the bodies of four Jewish hostages to the Red Cross early on Thursday, and hundreds of Arab prisoners were released from Jewish custody.
The second step of the delicate ceasefire in Gaza is about to disappear, so the swap is only days away.
The business of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that” Israel has received the graves of four fell victims through the Red Cross.”
Israel further stated that the process of identifying the bodies of four victims has begun.
At the same time, a caravan carrying lots of emancipated Palestinian detainees left Israel’s Ofer prison. In Beitunia, throngs of enthralling people and followers gathered to see the bus carrying their loved ones house.
Conflicts over the peace words
Since Saturday, Israel had delayed the launch of over 600 Arab prisoners due to concerns over Hamas ‘ management of the victims. The militant group called for the release of all Palestinian prisoners and warned that agreements for a second phase would never begin until Israel was” serious violator” of the peace.
In contrast to previous Hamas handovers that were staged as people events, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office stated that the victims ‘ systems would be returned in a secret manner. Additionally, the company claimed that Israel had received the remains of “four fell hostages.”
Israel, the Red Cross, and UN officials have criticised for displays as demeaning for the victims and their families.
Among those released from Jewish prison were 445 people, 21 youth, and one girl, all of whom had been detained after Hamas ‘ attack on October 7, 2023. On conviction of violent activity, they had been imprisoned without charge. Just about 50 captives were sent to the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, according to Palestinian leaders. Others, including tens sentenced to life over lethal assaults on Israelis, were taken to Egypt, at least partially, before being transferred to other countries.
This transfer completes both sides ‘ obligations under the first step of the peace, during which Hamas returned 33 hostages—including eight bodies—in change for nearly 2, 000 Arab prisoners.
Peace in risk
The six-week stalemate, brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, is set to expire this weekend. Steve Witkoff, the US president’s Middle East minister, has urged both countries to resume negotiations for a second step, which would include the launch of all hostages who are still alive and discussions on ending the conflict. Initially scheduled for early February, discussions on this period were to start.
Nevertheless, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis intensifies. Another child died of cold on Wednesday, bringing the death toll to seven in two months, displaced people struggling in temporary homes. More than 48, 000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. In contrast, more than 90&, of the Gaza people have been displaced, with most returning to the dust of cities battered by the IDF.
People lament as Israel puts hostages
Tsachi Idan, who was abducted from Kibbutz Nahal Oz, was one of the victims who was confirmed dead. His home was informed of his death, but they did not say who or what caused it. For messages usually come from Israel’s defense.
French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the expected return of Israeli-French prisoner Ohad Yahalomi’s system, stating on X:” In these suspended hours of pain and grief, the country holds by their area”.
Earlier this year, tens of thousands of Israelis lined routes as the body of Shiri Bibas and her two younger sons, 9-month-old Kfir and 4-year-old Ariel, were taken for interment. Hamas promises they died in an Israeli attack, while Israel claims forensic evidence confirms that their captors killed them in November of that year. Their dad, Yarden Bibas, was abducted individually and after released dead.
