ALWAGHT- Israel is reportedly planning to release all Palestinian women and minors under 19, who were arbitrarily taken from Gaza, in exchange for Hamas returning the bodies of four captives.
Israeli media reported that the Palestinians set to be released were abducted despite having no involvement in Hamas' October 7, 2023, operation. Hamas is expected to announce the names of the four captives on Thursday morning, with their bodies scheduled for return later that day. The exchange aligns with the ongoing ceasefire agreement, which began 33 days ago, ending Israel’s 15-month-long war on Gaza. Israeli officials stated that the return of the captives’ bodies was included in an unpublished annex to the truce deal.
Additionally, Hamas is set to release three living Israeli captives on Saturday. Israel launched its military assault on Gaza following Hamas' October 7 operation, which was in retaliation for Israeli aggression against Palestinians. Despite the heavy bombardment, which resulted in over 48,284 Palestinian deaths, mostly women and children, Israel failed to achieve its objectives of eliminating Hamas or securing the release of its captives. The Tel Aviv regime eventually agreed to Hamas' terms, leading to the ceasefire that began on January 19.
The ceasefire agreement consists of three 42-day phases. In the first phase, 33 Israeli captives are to be exchanged for around 2,000 Palestinian detainees. So far, Hamas has released 19 Israeli captives and five Thai nationals in exchange for 985 Palestinian prisoners. The truce remains in effect as both sides continue their negotiated exchanges.
