Mediators have successfully resolved the latest impasse in the Gaza ceasefire deal, paving the way for a crucial prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas. Officials from both sides confirmed that the deal, which had stalled over the delayed release of Palestinian prisoners, is now back on track.
The breakthrough comes after Israel postponed the release of 600 Palestinian detainees on Saturday, citing concerns over the alleged mistreatment of Israeli hostages by Hamas. In response, Hamas accused Israel of violating the agreement. However, negotiations have now led to an understanding that will see the release of the prisoners alongside another batch, possibly as early as Wednesday or Thursday.
In return, Hamas is expected to hand over the bodies of four Israeli hostages. According to Israeli sources, the transfer will take place at the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza. The families of the four hostages believed to be Shlomo Mansour, 86, Ohad Yahalomi, 50, Tsachi Idan, 50, and Itzik Elgarat, 69 have already been informed. Egyptian officials stated that Hamas agreed to return the bodies on Thursday without ceremonies inside Gaza.
This resolution clears the way for U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to visit the region. He has emphasized the need for Israel and Hamas to move forward with discussions on the second phase of the ceasefire, which aims to bring further stability to the war-torn region.
The announcement follows a solemn day in Israel, where thousands gathered in Rishon LeZion for the funeral of Shiri Bibas and her two sons, Ariel and Kfir. The three were kidnapped during Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and were later killed in captivity. Their bodies were returned by Hamas last week.
The ongoing ceasefire deal, brokered through international mediation, is structured in multiple phases. In its first stage, a total of 33 Israeli hostages are to be exchanged for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. So far, 25 living hostages and four dead have been released, with five Thai nationals freed outside the agreement. The first phase is set to conclude on Saturday.
Looking ahead, the second phase of the ceasefire aims to secure the release of the remaining 57 Israeli hostages, ensure a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and establish a permanent ceasefire. Since the conflict began, at least 48,348 people have died in Gaza, and much of the region’s infrastructure has been devastated.
