Hamas signals willingness for next Gaza ceasefire phase, hands over more Israeli captives’ remains

The Palestinian group Hamas said it is ready to move forward with the second phase of a ceasefire deal in Gaza, aiming for a permanent truce and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the enclave.

Injured freed Palestinian prisoners arrive on a bus at the European Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 27 February 2025. Israel is expected to release over 600 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails in exchange for the bodies of four hostages from Gaza, as part of the Israel-Hamas hostage-release and ceasefire deal.

EPA/HAITHAM IMAD

Overnight, Hamas returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages, captured on October 7, to Red Cross workers, while Israel released 602 Palestinian prisoners in return. Both sides have thus fulfilled commitments under the first stage of a ceasefire signed on January 19.

Our hearts ache upon receiving the bitter news of the identification of Ohad Yahalomi, Tsachi Idan, Itzik Elgarat, and Shlomo Mantzur, whose bodies were returned overnight from captivity at the hands of Hamas terrorists.

In this painful moment, there is some solace in knowing… pic.twitter.com/fE6khe7kS0

— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) February 27, 2025

Israeli authorities said the Red Cross will transfer the bodies to Israeli forces for identification.

Since January 19, Hamas has freed 25 live captives and returned the bodies of eight Israelis, as well as seven Thai nationals.

In exchange, Israel has released around 1,900 Palestinian detainees.

The current temporary truce is set to end Saturday. It remains unclear whether the agreement will be extended.

(jh)

Source: IAR, AFP