Hamas to Release Six Israeli Hostages and Hand Over Four Bodies as Gaza Ceasefire Holds

Hamas has announced plans to release the remaining six living Israeli hostages under the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, along with the bodies of four deceased captives. This comes as part of the fragile truce that took effect on January 19, following more than 15 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The ceasefire, which was brokered to de-escalate tensions after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, initially included the release of 33 Israeli hostages. So far, 19 have been freed in exchange for over 1,100 Palestinian prisoners.

However, out of the remaining 14 hostages, Israel has confirmed that eight are deceased. In addition to the ongoing prisoner exchanges, five Thai nationals who had been held in Gaza since the 2023 attack were also released outside the scope of the truce agreement.

Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’s chief negotiator, made a televised announcement confirming the planned releases: Thursday, February 22 – The bodies of four deceased hostages will be handed over to Israel and Saturday, February 24 – Six living Israeli hostages will be released.

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These agreements were reached following indirect negotiations in Cairo, according to Israeli officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office later confirmed the arrangements, stating that another four bodies will also be returned next week. These will be the first bodies returned by Hamas since the start of the war.

A Palestinian source close to the negotiations indicated that mediators hope this step will foster a more positive atmosphere and push for the continuation of the ceasefire.

Currently, the first phase of the truce is set to expire on March 1, and discussions on the next steps—including the possibility of a permanent end to hostilities—have yet to begin. While the ceasefire has held so far, both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the agreement.

Adding further strain to the situation, U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to take control of Gaza and relocate its population has drawn widespread condemnation, raising concerns about its impact on ongoing negotiations.