Hamas has announced the names of six Israeli hostages it intends to release from Gaza on Saturday. This is part of a ceasefire agreement, which also involves the release of over 600 Palestinians from Israeli prisons, according to the Palestinian prisoners media office associated with Hamas.
These developments signify that the delicate ceasefire is still intact, despite complications arising from Israeli claims that the body of a hostage, Shiri Bibas, was not returned as promised. Hamas maintains that it is adhering to the terms of this truce, asserting there is no intent to withhold any bodies in its custody. The group has stated that the four deceased hostages transferred to Israel on Thursday had been casualties of an Israeli airstrike in November 2023 and that their identities might have been misrepresented.
Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi confirmed late Friday that they had delivered Bibas’ remains to the Red Cross in comments made to Al Araby, a channel based in Qatar. The Red Cross has verified receipt of human remains in Gaza, which were subsequently transferred to Israeli authorities.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office indicated that the remains would undergo testing at the national forensics lab, though an estimated timeline for identification was not provided.
A smaller armed faction in Gaza, believed to have included Bibas, has reported that it transferred her remains to the Red Cross. Dr. Salem Attalah, deputy secretary general for the Palestinian Mujahedeen Brigades, stated that the group had handed over Bibas’ remains and that they were holding her and her two sons, Kfir and Ariel Bibas.
On another front, Hezbollah’s recently slain leader, Hassan Nasrallah, drew thousands of supporters to Lebanon for his funeral. Nasrallah, who died following a massive Israeli airstrike in Beirut, was considered a major figure in the ongoing conflict. Attendees from various countries, including Iraq, have traveled to partake in the ceremonies occurring this weekend.
In the West Bank, two young Palestinians aged 13 were reported killed amid escalating military actions by Israel. Palestinian health authorities reported that one boy was shot in Hebron and a girl in Jenin, though it remains uncertain whether the fire came from Israeli soldiers or settlers.
This military operation, which began after the cessation of hostilities in Gaza, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction. Since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, the death toll of Palestinians in the West Bank has reached over 800, with increased assaults on Israeli targets being recorded during this period.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump commented on his proposal to transform Gaza into a tourist destination, emphasizing that he doesn’t intend to compel its implementation. Despite ongoing criticism from regional leaders, Trump believes his plan remains viable.
In response to the recent violence in Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an increase of military forces in the West Bank during a visit to the Tulkarem refugee camp, a known militant area. He indicated that operations would intensify against alleged militants following recent explosions targeting Israeli buses.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince convened leaders from Gulf nations and neighboring states for a meeting to discuss the situation in Gaza as international diplomacy continues to evolve. During this gathering, key figures from various nations, including Egypt and Jordan, convened to address concerns surrounding the region’s stability.
Amid these developments, Israel’s military accused Gaza militants of murdering two young hostages without providing specific evidence. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari alleged the boys were killed without firearms, stating forensics support this accusation.
Netanyahu vowed that Hamas would face consequences for allegedly returning a body of a Palestinian woman instead of that of Shiri Bibas, solidifying Israel’s commitment to retrieving all hostages.
Finally, as part of the ongoing hostage situation with Hamas, six living hostages slated for release have been identified. Included among them are individuals with past mental health concerns. Israeli authorities confirmed the list but withheld direct identification of each individual.
Following a recent series of bus explosions, Israel’s Defense Minister has ordered a surge of military operations in response. Emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance against terrorism, military leaders are closely monitoring potential threats from released prisoners under the current ceasefire.
