Hamas will return the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including members of the Bibas family, on Thursday. This marks the first transfer of remains by Hamas since the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
The handover is part of the first phase of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This ceasefire took effect on January 19. It commenced after over 15 months of fighting in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Thursday as “a very difficult day” for Israel.
Under the ceasefire’s first phase, 19 Israeli hostages have been released in exchange for over 1,100 Palestinian prisoners.
The Bibas family members have become national symbols of the hostage ordeal. They encapsulate the despair that has gripped Israel since the Hamas attack.
The ceasefire has held despite accusations of violations on both sides. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that talks would begin on the second phase. These talks aim for a more permanent end to the war.
Hamas official Taher al-Nunu stated that Hamas is ready to release all remaining hostages in Gaza. This will happen in a single swap during phase two.
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