Hamas released six Israeli hostages from Gaza on Saturday, marking the conclusion of the first phase of a fragile cease-fire. This truce faced challenges earlier in the week when Hamas returned remains purportedly belonging to an Israeli hostage, which forensic testing later identified as someone else.
On Sunday, Israel announced a delay in the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners, which had been scheduled for Saturday. Israel demanded that Hamas first release additional captives and commit to releasing them without “humiliation ceremonies.” Hamas's previous releases have included performative ceremonies aimed at demonstrating its control over Gaza, which Israeli officials have criticized.
The announcement from the prime minister’s office heightened tensions in the already precarious cease-fire, set to expire next week. Earlier, Hamas had returned four bodies it claimed were hostages who died in captivity, including Shiri Bibas, an Israeli woman abducted with her two young children during the October 7 attack. However, forensic testing revealed that the body was not hers.
On Friday, Hamas confirmed the transfer of Ms. Bibas's body, which Israeli officials stated had been killed by her captors rather than in Israeli airstrikes. This incident raised concerns about the future of the cease-fire agreement and whether the planned exchange would proceed.
In exchange for the six living hostages and the bodies of four deceased captives, Israel was expected to release 620 Palestinian prisoners, the largest group released since the cease-fire began. However, this did not occur as planned.
The hostage transfer initially appeared to stabilize the agreement after a tumultuous week, with families of the released hostages expressing mixed emotions of joy and grief. Palestinian families awaiting the release of their relatives also shared similar sentiments, highlighting the emotional complexity of the situation.
The six-week truce, initiated in late January, is set to expire in early March unless both parties agree to extend it. Ongoing negotiations regarding the next phase of the cease-fire have yet to yield results, raising fears of renewed conflict.
Hamas released the six hostages in two public ceremonies and a third private transfer. The first two hostages, Avera Mengistu and Tal Shoham, were handed over to Red Cross officials in Rafah, with the Israeli military confirming their safe return. Mr. Mengistu had been the longest-held living Israeli hostage, while Mr. Shoham was abducted along with his family during the October 7 attack.
Three additional hostages were transferred in Nuseirat and delivered to the Israeli military. All appeared thin and pale, dressed in khaki uniforms. A video released by the Israeli government showed Mr. Shem Tov reuniting with his parents, expressing his longing for them during captivity.
Hamas also released a propaganda video intended to instill fear regarding the safety of remaining hostages, showcasing two additional captives who were forced to plead for their release. Rights groups have criticized such videos as coercive and potentially constituting war crimes.
The sixth hostage, Hisham al-Sayed, was transferred in a more private setting. He had crossed into Gaza voluntarily in 2015 and was held incommunicado for years. His family expressed relief and joy at his return.
Under the cease-fire agreement, Hamas committed to releasing at least 25 living Israeli hostages and the remains of eight more in exchange for over 1,500 Palestinian prisoners. Palestinians eagerly awaited the return of their loved ones, with many of those set to be released having been arrested following the October 2023 attacks.
The potential for extending the cease-fire remains uncertain, as serious negotiations have yet to commence despite an initial timeline for discussions.