Israel and Hamas have reached a new agreement to exchange the bodies of Israeli prisoners for the release of 602 Palestinian prisoners. The accord aims to maintain a fragile ceasefire while paving the way for further negotiations. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is actively facilitating these discussions, as the situation continues to evolve with significant implications for the region.
On Wednesday, U.S. envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, announced that an Israeli delegation had departed to engage in the second phase of ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. Israeli and Hamas officials confirmed an agreement to exchange the bodies of Israeli prisoners for the release of 602 Palestinian prisoners, initially planned for release the previous week. This arrangement is expected to maintain the fragile ceasefire through the end of the week.
Israel had delayed releasing the 602 Palestinian prisoners since Saturday, citing the mistreatment of previous prisoners by Hamas. Hamas condemned this action, labeling it a serious breach of the ceasefire. The continuation of the ceasefire negotiations by Hamas hinged on the release of these Palestinian prisoners, with the initial six-week agreement due to conclude this weekend.
On Tuesday evening, Hamas announced a newly established agreement to resolve the dispute, facilitated by a meeting in Cairo led by senior political official Khalil al-Hayya. This agreement is anticipated to enable the return of four Israeli prisoners’ bodies and the release of additional Palestinian prisoners as designated under the ceasefire terms.
Hamas clarified that the agreement stipulates Palestinian prisoners’ release alongside the return of Israeli prisoners’ bodies, including additional releases of Palestinian women and minors currently detained. This deal was reached during the Cairo discussions with senior Egyptian officials.
Reports suggest that Thursday is the set date for delivering the remaining bodies of deceased Israeli prisoners as part of the first-phase agreement. Additionally, Hamas has come to an understanding with Egypt to facilitate the release of several Palestinian women and children held in Israeli custody.
An anonymous Israeli official confirmed that their agreement encompasses returning the bodies of Israeli prisoners soon while refraining from providing further specifics. Israeli media indicates the exchange may occur as early as February 26, 2025, with bodies handed to Egyptian authorities without formal ceremonies.
This new agreement aims to fulfill the obligations of the initial phase of the ceasefire, which saw Hamas return 33 hostages, including eight bodies, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Thus far, 29 Israeli prisoners, along with five Thai citizens, have been freed in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and the bodies of four other Israeli prisoners.
The advancement in negotiations could lead to a visit from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who is expected to arrive soon to further facilitate the second phase negotiations. Witkoff indicated his interest in expediting discussions centered on the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas and initiating conversations aimed at resolving the conflict.
Witkoff noted the second-phase discussions have been pending for weeks, expressing urgency to move forward as the first-phase agreement approaches its conclusion on Saturday. During a U.S. event, Witkoff stated, “We are making significant progress. Israel is sending a team as we speak,” emphasizing ongoing negotiations with Egyptian and Qatari partners.
The recent agreement between Israel and Hamas regarding the exchange of prisoners underscores the urgency and complexity of ongoing negotiations aimed at sustaining a fragile ceasefire. With the U.S. actively involved through envoy Steve Witkoff, both parties are working to address humanitarian concerns while navigating the challenges of the ceasefire’s terms. The upcoming days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of future discussions and potential resolutions to the conflict.
Original Source: www.jordannews.jo
