Hamas says it will return bodies of four hostages including Bibas family

Hamas to Release Four Hostages, Including Children, this Thursday

Hamas announced it will hand over the bodies of four hostages on Thursday, February 20, 2024, including the two youngest individuals captured by the Palestinian armed group during the October 7, 2023 attack. This comes as part of a fragile ceasefire agreement with Israel.

Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’ negotiator, confirmed the families delving into the truth behind the Bibas family’s tragic fate. They are Shiri, her children Kfir, aged nine months, and Ariel, four years old, who were abducted during the initial onslaught. Hamas alleges the children died in Israeli airstrikes, a claim Israel has not corroborated. The children’s father, Yarden, was released earlier this month.

Expansion of Hostage Release and Israeli Countermeasures

Adding to the developing situation, Hamas stated it woudl release six more hostages on Saturday, doubling the original plan. In return, Israel has agreed to release all women and individuals under 19 years old detained since October last year.

Furthermore,Israel has authorized the entry of rubble-clearing equipment into Gaza through the Egyptian border,aiming to assist in the recovery efforts.

Families Await Confirmation of Return

“In the past few hours, we have been in turmoil following Hamas spokesperson’s declaration about the planned return of our Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir this Thursday as part of the hostages’ remains release phase,” stated the Bibas family in a release. “We want to make it clear that while we are aware of these reports, we have not yet received any official confirmation regarding this matter. Until we receive definitive confirmation, our journey is not over.”

High-Profile Releases and Phase Two Talks

Hamas has identified two of the six Israelis scheduled for release on Saturday: Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed. They were taken in 2014 and 2015, respectively, after entering Gaza independently. The Israeli government asserts both individuals were experiencing mental health challenges at the time. Othre families have indicated that their loved ones, including Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen, Omer Wenkert, and Tal Shoam, are also among those being released.

The first phase of the ceasefire agreement stipulated the release of 33 hostages in exchange for the freedom of approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Negotiations regarding the second phase,which would see the remaining hostages released and the war formally ended,were slated to begin earlier this month but have yet to commence.

Obstacles Remain in the Path to Peace

Hamas has expressed readiness to release all remaining hostages in one go, contingent on a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire agreement. However, Hamas has categorically rejected Israel’s demand for its disarmament and removal from Gaza.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that talks would commence “this week,” emphasizing that Israel “will not accept the continued presence of Hamas or any other terrorist organisation in Gaza”. He added that Israel is willing to extend the ceasefire if constructive discussions lead to a potential agreement.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in the detainment of 73 hostages in Gaza, comprising Israeli soldiers and civilians, both living and deceased.This also includes Thai and Nepalese nationals. The initial attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis, while Israel’s 15-month military offensive claimed the lives of 47,460 Palestinians, according to gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. The enclave has been devastated consequently.

While the release of hostages offers a glimmer of hope, the deeply entrenched political and ideological differences remain a significant obstacle to achieving a lasting peace.

How do you see the exchange of rubble-clearing equipment for the release of additional hostages impacting the current negotiations and future possibilities for peace?

Archyde Exclusive: A Word with Hamas Negotiator Khalil al-hayya on hostage Release & Ceasefire

Confirmed Hostage Release and Family Reactions

Archyde: Mr.al-Hayya, could you confirm the details of the upcoming hostage release and walks us through the process?

Khalil al-Hayya (KAH): Yes, indeed. We will be releasing the bodies of four hostages, including two children, shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, this Thursday as part of the initial ceasefire agreement. Their return will provide some closure to their families.

Expansion of Releases and Countermeasures

Archyde: Hamas has plans to release more hostages than initially agreed. could you elaborate on this decision?

KAH: We have decided to double the initial release to six hostages this Saturday to build trust and facilitate further negotiations. In return, we expect Israel to release all women and minors detained since October last year.

Archyde: Israel has agreed to this but also authorized rubble-clearing equipment into Gaza. Do you see this as a positive sign?

KAH: Yes,we welcome any move by Israel that aids in the recovery efforts in gaza. It shows a willingness to address the humanitarian crisis alongside the hostage issue.

Families Awaiting Confirmation and High-Profile Cases

Archyde: While families like the Bibases await confirmation, others have expressed hope that their loved ones are among the six to be released Saturday. Could you share any details?

KAH: yes, we can confirm the release of Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed among the six. Other families have expressed hope, and we will provide updates as soon as we can.

Peace Prospects and Obstacles

Archyde: With the ongoing releases, what are the prospects for a complete peace deal?

KAH: While the releases offer hope, we must address the root causes of our people’s suffering. We are ready to discuss all issues, but Israel’s demands for disarmament and removal from Gaza are non-starters.

Archyde: Given the deep-seated differences, what do you believe is the key to unlocking a lasting peace?

KAH: Mutual respect, understanding, and a commitment to addressing each other’s legitimate concerns. We must remember, it’s not just about us; it’s about generations to come.

Reader’s Thoughts

Archyde: Lastly, what message do you have for our readers around the world?

KAH: We hope the world will continue to pressure both sides to find a just and lasting solution. The people of Palestine and Israel deserve to live in peace and security.