Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’s chief negotiator, announced in a speech on Tuesday that militants plan to transfer the remains of four Israeli hostages to Israel on Thursday in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Mr. al-Hayya specified that members of the Bibas family would be included among the four bodies returned to Israel. The three remaining members of the Bibas family in Gaza are Shiri Bibas and her two children.
The Israeli prime minister’s office confirmed the return of four Israeli bodies on Thursday, but officials did not immediately clarify whether the Bibas family members would be among them. The Israeli military had previously expressed serious concerns regarding the lives of Ms. Bibas and her children, although it had not confirmed their deaths.
Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli officials indicated that they anticipated the remains of Israeli hostages would be returned on Thursday, without specifying the inclusion of the Bibas family.
Additionally, the number of living hostages expected to be released on Saturday has been increased from three to six, according to statements from Mr. al-Hayya and the Israeli prime minister’s office.