Mediators have resolved the latest impasse in the Gaza ceasefire deal, paving the way for Israel to release 600 Palestinian prisoners alongside the return of four Israeli hostages’ bodies.
The exchange is expected to take place by Wednesday or Thursday.
Israel initially delayed the release in protest over what it described as the harsh treatment of Israeli hostages handed over by Hamas. The group, in turn, accused Israel of violating the ceasefire terms.
This development comes as thousands gathered in Rishon LeZion to mourn hostages Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, who were killed in captivity after being taken during Hamas’s October 7 attack. Their bodies were returned last week.
A Hamas delegation, led by Gaza leader Khalil al-Hayya, finalized the agreement in Cairo, confirming that the prisoner exchange will proceed as originally planned. Hayya also reaffirmed Hamas’s commitment to the full implementation of the ceasefire deal.
Israeli sources indicate that the bodies of the four hostages—believed to be Shlomo Mansour, 86, Ohad Yahalomi, 50, Tsachi Idan, 50, and Itzik Elgarat, 69—will be transferred at the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza. Their families have been informed.
Under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, 33 Israeli hostages are set to be exchanged for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. So far, 25 living hostages and four deceased hostages have been released. Five Thai nationals were also freed outside the deal.
The ceasefire has led to an Israeli withdrawal from densely populated areas of Gaza, the return of displaced Palestinians, and increased humanitarian aid deliveries.
The second phase is expected to secure the release of 57 more hostages, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a permanent ceasefire.
Israel launched its military operation in response to the October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages. Since then, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports more than 48,000 deaths, widespread destruction, and severe shortages of essential resources.
Reported by BBC News.
