Hamas confirmed the release of Palestinian detainees on Thursday, paired with the return of four Israeli hostages’ bodies. Reports indicated an agreement to resolve prior delays, with expectations of a gradual release in coordination between parties. Meanwhile, challenges persist in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza amid escalating military tensions in the West Bank.
The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, confirmed the release of a delayed batch of Palestinian detainees to occur on Thursday, coinciding with the transfer of the bodies of four Israeli hostages. The exchange will follow new conditions set to assure Israel’s compliance with the agreement. Hamas reiterated that no proposals for a subsequent phase of the deal have been received, despite their readiness to progress.
On Wednesday, Abu Obeida, spokesperson for the Al-Qassam Brigades, announced the handover of the bodies of four Israeli soldiers: Itzachi Idan, Itzik Al-Jarit, Ohad Yahlomi, and Shlomo Mansour. Reports indicate that Israel plans to release Palestinian detainees by midnight. Various Hebrew media sources noted a gradual release process starting from Wednesday night into Thursday.
Israeli media reported that an unnamed source confirmed an agreement to address delays in releasing prisoners. Should no complications arise, the bodies of the Israeli detainees will be returned by Hamas to Egypt, then facilitated to the Red Cross, and subsequently to Israel, coordinated with the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Additionally, Axios cited U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, as noting that an Israeli delegation is likely to visit Doha or Cairo soon to negotiate a broader prisoner exchange and potential ceasefire in Gaza. Witkoff hinted at the possibility of his region visit by Sunday, pending any progress.
Reports from Yedioth Ahronoth state Witkoff had postponed a visit initially scheduled for Wednesday, with no new date provided. The delay appears linked to Israel’s inaction regarding the release plan for the seventh batch of Palestinian prisoners per prior ceasefire agreements.
Simultaneously, the United Nations has cautioned about significant difficulties in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, exacerbated by ongoing Israeli restrictions. UN officials characterized the local humanitarian situation as catastrophic at this juncture.
In the West Bank, the Palestinian Red Crescent mentioned challenges responding to distress calls from families in the Nur Shams refugee camp due to ongoing Israeli demolition efforts. Israeli military actions have escalated, reportedly leading to a fatality in Nablus and numerous injuries, along with hindering the return of displaced families to Jenin refugee camp, where Israeli tanks reportedly entered for the first time since the Second Intifada.
In summary, Hamas has announced a planned release of a delayed batch of Palestinian detainees alongside the return of bodies of Israeli hostages. Efforts continue toward broader negotiations for a prisoner exchange and ceasefire, though challenges in humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza and escalating military actions in the West Bank highlight the complexity of the situation.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
