Hamas has handed over the bodies of four Israeli hostages while releasing 20 living captives as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement. The exchange marks a significant development in the Gaza truce process, which has been mediated by multiple countries to reduce tensions between Israel and Hamas. Israeli officials confirmed that the military received four caskets from the International Committee of the Red Cross, carrying the bodies of the slain hostages returned from Gaza.
Hamas identified the deceased as Guy Illouz, Yossi Sharabi, Bipin Joshi, and Daniel Perez, stating that the process of locating and retrieving the remaining 24 bodies may take additional time. The group said that not all burial sites are yet known due to the conflict’s intensity. Despite this, Hamas fulfilled its initial commitment by freeing 20 living hostages, all of whom appeared to be in good physical condition and emotional spirits upon release.
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In a parallel exchange, Israel released 1,968 Palestinian prisoners who were transported to Gaza and the West Bank. The scenes were filled with emotion as families reunited after years of separation. Many freed prisoners described harsh detention conditions, revealing that they faced physical abuse and humiliation during their final days in custody. Their return home sparked celebrations across several Palestinian towns, symbolizing relief after prolonged suffering and imprisonment.
However, the release deal triggered widespread protests across Israel, particularly in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Citizens questioned why it took the government 736 days to negotiate the release of the hostages. Demonstrators accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration of delaying the agreement for political gain, which they claim led to unnecessary deaths and escalated regional violence. Protesters chanted slogans demanding accountability and greater transparency from the government regarding its handling of hostage negotiations.
Meanwhile, international mediation played a key role in reaching the truce. The United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey jointly brokered what has been described as the first phase of a broader peace agreement. A high-profile summit was held in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh resort, attended by over 20 world leaders. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, signed a joint declaration emphasizing global cooperation to sustain peace, rebuild Gaza, and ensure the safety of civilians in the conflict zone.
Read more : Palestinians Celebrate Return of Prisoners Released by Israel
As discussions move toward Gaza’s reconstruction and governance, the latest exchange signals cautious optimism. While tensions remain high, the successful implementation of this phase has renewed hopes for long-term peace in the region. Mediators have described the deal as a potential turning point that could end years of bloodshed and open the path to rebuilding lives shattered by war.