Hamas has expressed readiness to negotiate the next phase of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip following a recent swap. The swap involved Hamas handing over what it claimed to be the remains of four hostages in exchange for the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. This exchange marked the final agreement under the current truce, which is set to expire soon. However, talks regarding a second phase, where Hamas would release more hostages in exchange for additional prisoners and a lasting ceasefire, have not yet commenced.
In a statement, Hamas emphasized that negotiations and adherence to the agreement are the only ways for Israel to secure the release of the remaining hostages. The group cautioned that any deviation from the truce would result in further suffering for the captives and their families. Overnight, more than 600 prisoners were released, with most being detainees returned to Gaza who had been held without charge on security suspicions since the triggering attack in October 2023.
Israel Yet to Release 24 Palestinian Detainees
As of Thursday, Israel had not returned 24 Palestinian detainees, including teenagers and a woman, as part of the agreed-upon release. These individuals were taken into Israeli custody during military operations in Gaza. The release of these detainees was delayed due to Israel's protest against Hamas's treatment of hostages during the ceasefire deal. While the bulk of the prisoners were released overnight, the woman and minors remain in custody.
The Palestinian Prisoners Club, representing current and former detainees, highlighted that Israel was also expected to release 22 more Palestinians, including teenagers and a woman. Israeli forces have detained numerous individuals in Gaza without trial. As per the ceasefire terms, Israel committed to releasing over 1,000 detainees who were not involved in the initial attack.
Israeli Army to Maintain Presence in Gaza-Egypt Border Corridor
An Israeli official confirmed that the army would not withdraw from the corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. Israel cited the need to prevent weapons smuggling as the reason for maintaining a presence in the Philadelphi corridor. This decision may lead to tensions with Hamas and Egypt, a key mediator in the conflict.
The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire is nearing its end, and discussions regarding the subsequent phase have yet to begin.
Identification of Hostages' Remains
An Israeli group representing families of hostages held by Hamas announced that the remains of three hostages have been identified among the bodies returned by Hamas. The bodies of Ohad Yahalomi, Itzhak Elgarat, and Shlomo Mantzur have been repatriated to Israel. Mantzur, aged 85, was killed in the 2023 attack, while the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the other two hostages remain unknown.
