Hamas to Return Bodies of 4 Israeli Hostages as Part of Prisoner Exchange Deal/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Hamas will hand over the bodies of four Israeli hostages Thursday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire agreement. The fragile truce neared collapse after Israel delayed prisoner releases, protesting Hamas’s treatment of hostages during past transfers. Meanwhile, Gaza faces worsening humanitarian conditions, with seven infants dying from hypothermia in the past two weeks.
Hostage Exchange and Ceasefire Quick Looks
- Hamas to return bodies of 4 Israeli hostages Thursday in prisoner swap
- Israel delayed release of 600 prisoners, citing hostage treatment concerns
- Deal revives first phase of ceasefire, set to expire this weekend
- Nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners exchanged for 33 hostages (8 bodies included)
- U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to push Phase 2 negotiations during regional visit
- Gaza’s humanitarian crisis worsens: 7 infants dead from hypothermia in 2 weeks
- 48,000 Palestinians killed since Israel’s military response began in October 2023
Hamas to Return Bodies of 4 Israeli Hostages as Part of Prisoner Exchange Deal
Deep Look
CAIRO — In a bid to salvage a fragile ceasefire, Hamas will return the bodies of four Israeli hostages Thursday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, the militant group and Israeli officials confirmed.
The exchange comes days before the first phase of the six-week truce is set to expire. Israel had withheld the release of 600 Palestinian prisoners since Saturday, citing “humiliating” treatment of hostages during their release by Hamas.
“The delay is a serious violation of the ceasefire,” said Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif al-Qanou.
Under the terms, Israel will also release women and minors detained since Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and sparked the conflict.
Controversy Over Hostage Releases
Israel and humanitarian groups condemned past hostage returns, where Hamas paraded hostages before large crowds. In response, Israel postponed prisoner releases to protest the treatment.
“This latest exchange will occur quietly without a public ceremony,” said a senior Hamas official.
The current exchange will fulfill both sides’ commitments under the ceasefire’s first phase:
- Hamas: Return of 33 hostages, including 8 bodies
- Israel: Release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners
Ceasefire’s Future and U.S. Involvement
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff will visit the region this week, urging both sides to resume Phase 2 negotiations.
“We need momentum to secure lasting peace,” Witkoff stated.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza
As diplomatic efforts continue, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis worsens. Palestinian health officials reported another infant death from hypothermia Wednesday, raising the two-week total to seven infants.
“A 2-month-old baby succumbed to the severe cold wave,” said Dr. Munir al-Boursh.
Key humanitarian challenges:
- 90% of Gaza’s population displaced
- 48,000 Palestinians killed, per Gaza Health Ministry (figures include militants and civilians)
- Temperatures dropping below 10°C (50°F) at night
- Aid deliveries slowed by infrastructure damage and ceasefire uncertainty
The Broader Conflict
- Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack: 1,200 Israelis killed, ~250 hostages taken
- Israeli response: Over 48,000 Palestinians killed, infrastructure decimated
- Remaining hostages: ~60 still held; about half presumed dead
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