In a development amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations, Hamas handed over the bodies of four slain hostages to the Red Cross on Thursday, according to AFP. An Israeli security official confirmed that the transfer occurred shortly before new prisoner releases began, with Hamas stating that the exchange would facilitate the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Exchange and Prisoner Release
Following the body handover, Israeli authorities started releasing Palestinian prisoners as part of a fragile ceasefire agreement. A bus carrying released prisoners was met with cheers in Ramallah, West Bank, just days before the six-week ceasefire’s first phase is set to expire. Concurrently, a Red Cross convoy transported dozens of freed prisoners from Israel’s Ofer Prison. These moves come after Israel delayed the release of 600 Palestinian prisoners over concerns about the humiliating manner in which hostages were previously released by Hamas. The militant group, however, described the delay as a “serious violation” of the ceasefire, insisting that further negotiations on a second phase cannot proceed until all prisoners are released.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Tensions
Earlier on Wednesday, a Hamas official indicated that no public ceremonies would be held for future exchanges, a departure from past practices that involved staged events criticised by Israel, the Red Cross, and UN representatives for being demeaning to hostages. This latest development adds another layer to an already complex and volatile situation. Meanwhile, thousands gathered in Israel to mourn a mother and her two young sons who were killed while in captivity in Gaza—a tragedy that has become a powerful symbol for those demanding the swift release of all hostages.
As the ceasefire nears its end, both sides remain on edge, with ongoing discussions and public outcries highlighting the deep-seated challenges in reaching a lasting resolution to the conflict.
