On Thursday, Hamas intends to return the bodies of four Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody. This exchange is planned just days prior to the expiration of the current ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Although Israel has postponed the release of about 600 Palestinian detainees since Saturday, citing concerns over the treatment of hostages by Hamas during their handover, Hamas views the delay as a major breach of the ceasefire agreement. Consequently, discussions about a subsequent phase of the ceasefire will not commence until the Palestinians are liberated, according to the group. Hamas representative Abdul Latif al-Qanou announced on Wednesday that the bodies would be handed over the following day.
In a separate issue, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticized Israel’s alleged regional aggression and territorial ambitions after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the Syrian army would be restricted from access to areas south of Damascus. Fidan labeled Israel’s actions as detrimental to regional peace and stability and stressed Turkey’s expectations for Syria’s transition process to curb separatist movements. He suggested that Israeli actions under the pretext of security establishment work against fostering peace, emphasizing Turkey’s opposition to Kurdish militias perceived as linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party.
Adding to the unfolding events, Israeli authorities have charged a Palestinian prisoner, recently freed under the ceasefire agreement, with a traffic violation for not wearing a seatbelt during a celebration of his release. Ashraf Zaghir, previously convicted for his involvement in a past attack, was noted to have been recklessly standing outside a moving vehicle. While it remains unclear if further actions will be pursued against Zaghir, Israel continues to suppress public demonstrations of elation following prisoner releases in exchange for hostages captured by Hamas in October.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, medical officials reported the seventh infant death from hypothermia within two weeks. The latest victim, Seela Abdel Qader, a less than two-month-old infant, succumbed due to severe weather conditions. The Gaza Health Ministry highlights the detrimental impact of the harsh cold wave on vulnerable populations residing in overcrowded shelters, following the prolonged 15-month conflict between Israel and Hamas now paused by a ceasefire.
Additionally, statements from regional leaders continue to address escalating tensions. The Arab League’s Secretary-General has denounced Israel’s actions in Syria, calling out airstrikes as deliberate provocations taking advantage of Syria’s political transition. He urged the global community to condemn these aggressive actions, which complicate peace efforts. Israeli military actions in territories adjoining the Golan Heights have drawn widespread denouncement, as Israel signals its intention to maintain a military presence.
Lastly, grief enveloped communities across Israel as mourners lined roads to honor an Israeli mother and her children, recently released for burial following negotiations with Hamas. Shiri Bibas and her sons, tragically killed in captivity, were transported for interment amid sorrowful crowds. The Bibas family had been victims of the conflict, with Hamas claiming their deaths resulted from Israeli airstrikes, a statement contradicted by Israeli military accounts.
