In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israel has agreed to release all women and individuals under the age of 19 who have been arrested since last October. This move comes as part of a ceasefire agreement, which also allows for the entry of rubble-clearing equipment into Gaza through the border with Egypt. The announcement was made amidst ongoing tensions and negotiations surrounding the fate of hostages held by Hamas.
Hamas spokesperson al-Hayya confirmed that the group would hand over the remains of four deceased Israeli prisoners, including members of the Bibas family, on February 20. The Bibas family has expressed turmoil over the announcement, stating they have not yet received official confirmation regarding the return of their loved ones, Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir, who Hamas claims were killed in an Israeli airstrike. Israeli officials have expressed grave concerns about the circumstances surrounding these individuals.
As part of the ongoing negotiations, Hamas has identified two of the six Israelis who are set to be released on Saturday: Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, both of whom crossed into Gaza voluntarily in previous years and were reported to have mental health issues at the time. Families of other hostages, including Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen, Omer Wenkert, and Tal Shoam, are hopeful that their loved ones will also be among those released.
The current ceasefire agreement marks the first phase of negotiations, which involves the release of 33 hostages in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Talks regarding the second phase, which would involve the release of the remaining living hostages and a potential permanent end to hostilities, were expected to begin earlier this month but have yet to commence.
Hamas has indicated its willingness to release all remaining hostages in one go, contingent upon a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a commitment to a lasting ceasefire. However, the group has rejected Israel’s demands for disarmament and removal from the region. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that discussions would begin this week, emphasizing Israel’s refusal to tolerate the presence of Hamas or any terrorist organization in Gaza.
Currently, there are 73 hostages being held in Gaza, which includes a mix of Israeli soldiers and civilians, as well as foreign nationals from Thailand and Nepal. This situation follows the events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of around 251 hostages. In retaliation, Israel has conducted a military offensive in Gaza, which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 47,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
As the situation continues to unfold, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with the potential for further negotiations hanging in the balance. The humanitarian implications of the conflict remain dire, as families on both sides await resolution and the safe return of their loved ones.