Hamas will return the bodies of the Bibas family, abducted near Gaza in October 2023, to Israel on Thursday. The return is expected to spark grief and criticism of the Netanyahu government's handling of the war.
Six other hostages will be freed on Saturday, and four more bodies will be handed over next week. Hamas says this reflects their commitment to the ceasefire agreement.
Israel's government has confirmed the agreement but has not commented on the Bibas family specifically.
Hamas claims the Bibas family was killed in November 2023, but Israel has not confirmed this. Hamas accuses Israel of stalling peace talks.
Israel's foreign minister says negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire will begin this week. Israel will not accept any plan that includes Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
The US proposal to take over Gaza and resettle Palestinians elsewhere remains on the table, despite objections from Egypt and Jordan.
16 Comments
Marishka
“Finally, some clarity – this report shows that there are steps being taken toward humanitarian gestures.”
Pupsik
“Good to see that the government is acknowledging the agreement, even if details on the Bibas family aren’t fully confirmed.”
Marishka
“It looks like the story is trying to justify a controversial US proposal by hiding behind the exchange of bodies.”
Pupsik
“Even if there are uncertainties, acknowledging steps toward ceasefire and prisoner exchanges is encouraging.”
Marishka
“The article shows transparency by reporting both the official statements and the conflicting claims, which is important.”
Bella Ciao
“This text rightly points out the complexity of negotiating peace – no simplistic solution here.”
Muchacha
“This piece seems to downplay the human tragedy and instead focuses on political maneuvering.”
Coccinella
“Pointing out the US proposal and the objections from Egypt and Jordan provides necessary context about the regional implications.”
Habibi
“Returning bodies as part of a ceasefire agreement doesn’t erase the tragedy – it feels like an attempt to cover up government failures.”
Mariposa
“Every step toward negotiation is a move away from constant bloodshed, and that progress should be noted.”
Muchacha
“The narrative conveniently ignores the broader context and the missteps of the Netanyahu government in handling the crisis.”
Mariposa
“Accusing Israel of stalling peace talks without solid evidence is just another piece of propaganda.”
ytkonos
“This piece helps highlight just how delicate the balance of negotiations is in such a volatile conflict.”
lettlelenok
“This text doesn’t give a fair account; it mixes verified facts with unconfirmed claims about the Bibas family.”
dedus mopedus
“I’m disappointed that this text doesn’t address the suffering on both sides of the conflict.”
Bella Ciao
“Despite the complexities, the text underscores the need for continuing dialogue, which is vital for any hope of peace.”