Hamas to release 6 hostages, return bodies of Bibas family
What's the story
Hamas has announced that it will release six Israeli hostages from Gaza and return the remains of four, including Shiri Bibas and her sons Kfir and Ariel, aged two and five. The Bibas family was abducted during the October 7, 2023, attack on the Nir Oz kibbutz. Hamas alleged that the three were killed in Israeli bombardment, but Israel has yet to confirm this.
Ceasefire progress
Hostage release marks progress in ceasefire agreement
The six hostages will be released on Saturday, a little ahead of the original timeline mentioned in the first phase of the ceasefire agreement. They were initially supposed to be released in two batches by March 1. In return for their release, Israel will release all remaining Palestinians due for release in this phase and permit construction supplies into Gaza to facilitate rebuilding efforts.
Negotiations ahead
Israel confirms hostage release plan, prepares for negotiations
The hostage release plan has been confirmed by the Israeli Prime Minister's office. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire would start this week. This phase involves releasing all remaining hostages and completing the Israel Defense Forces's withdrawal from Gaza. However, the right wing of Netanyahu's coalition is against starting the second phase, threatening government stability.
Ceasefire continuation
US envoy insists on beginning 2nd phase of ceasefire
Despite opposition from within Netanyahu's coalition, Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, insisted that "phase two is absolutely going to begin." Sa'ar mentioned that if no agreement is reached soon, options include returning to war or extending the deadline. Beyond phase two, Gaza's future remains uncertain with Israel insisting on excluding Hamas from governance and calling for "deradicalization" of Gaza society.
Gaza's future
Arab leaders to discuss Gaza's future amid ceasefire negotiations
Furthermore, US President Donald Trump's recent proposal to move Palestinians out of Gaza so the US can reconstruct the region has been opposed by the Arab world and the Palestinians. The countries plan to meet with other Arab leaders on Friday to ensure Gaza remains Palestinian land. The meeting will be followed by an Arab League summit in Cairo on March 4.