Gaza Ceasefire Obucer impasse solved by mediators, say officials

Hamas said on a statement on Tuesday evening that a delegation led by the group leader, Khalil Al-Hayya, concluded a trip to Cairo after reaching an agreement to solve the issue on delayed release of Palestinian prisoners.

“They will be released simultaneously with the Israeli (hostage) bodies have agreed to be taught in the first phase, in addition to the appropriate Palestinian women and children,” he added.

Hayya also reiterated Hamas’s commitment to the ceasefire agreement “with all its stages and clauses”.

There was no immediate confirmation from the Israeli government.

But Israeli sources told Haaretz newspaper that the four hostages were probably taught by Hamas on Wednesday night at Kerem Shalom Crossing in south Gaza.

The source added that the families of the four hostages were notified.

They were not identified, but they are believed to be Shlomo Mansour, 86, Ohad Yahalomi, 50, Tsachi Idan, 50 years old and ITZIK Elgarat, 69.

Egyptian officials said Hamas agreed to teach the bodies on Thursday, without ceremonies in Gaza.

Hamas – which is outlawed as a terrorist organization by Israel, the US, the United Kingdom and other countries – warned earlier this week that it will not participate in indirect discussions about additional steps, unless the prisoners were released.

The 620 Palestinian prisoners – including over 400 gazans detained by Israeli forces during the war and 50 prisoners who execute life penalties in Israeli prisons – had to have been released in exchange for six live and four dead hosts taught by Hamas.

It is assumed that a total of 33 Israeli hostages are changed for about 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and prisoners from Gaza during the first phase of the transaction, which is to end on Saturday.

So far, 25 living hostages and four dead hostages have been released. Both Israel and Hamas said the last four hostages are dead. Five living Thai hostages were also released outside the agreement.

The agreement also saw the Israeli forces withdraw from densely populated areas of Gaza. Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians were allowed to return to their northern homes, and hundreds of help trucks are now allowed on the territory every day.

The second phase of ceasing fire should see the 57 remaining hostages, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent cessation of fire.

The Israeli army has launched a campaign to destroy the Hamas in response to the October 7 attack, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage.

At least 48,348 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to Hamas’s Health Ministry.

Most of the Gaza 2.1 million population has also been moved several times, almost 70% of buildings are estimated to be damaged or destroyed, medical assistance, water, sewerage and hygiene systems have been collapsed and there are deficiencies of food, fuel, medicine and shelter.