Israel confirmed on Tuesday that six living hostages would be released on Saturday. The statement came shortly after Hamas announced that it would return all 14 hostages included in the first phase of the ceasefire deal, six of them living. After the first phase is complete, 59 hostages will remain in Hamas captivity, of whom 28 are estimated to be dead.
In a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Israel said that negotiations held in Cairo resulted in an understanding that on Saturday, six of the living hostages included in phase one of the deal will be released, and on Thursday, the bodies of four dead hostages will be handed over. "According to the agreement, four additional bodies will be handed over next week."
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Hostages to be released in phase one of the ceasefire deal
(Photo: Avigail Uziת Hostages and Missing Families Forum)
A senior official added that if the agreement reached in Cairo is implemented, it is an important achievement for Israel.
Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya said in a statement that four bodies will be handed over on Thursday. He said the terror group would release all of the bodies of killed hostages if Israel releases all of the Palestinian prisoners it committed to freeing in the first phase.
"We've decided to hand over four bodies of hostages in preparation for the next phase of negotiations. Handing over the remaining bodies will be according to what was agreed on in the 6th week of the deal. Six live "prisoners of the occupation" will be freed on Saturday, including Hisham a Sayed and Avera Mengistu, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners," the Hamas leader said.
"We highlight the need for the occupation to implement all instructions of the deal without delay. We demand that heavy equipment be used to extract bodies, including those of hostages who were killed in Israeli bombing," he said, adding that Israel was still delaying negotiations for the next phase that were to begin on day 16 of the ceasefire. "We are prepared to immediately move to the next phase that includes a complete ceasefire and withdrawal of the military."