Hamas has informed negotiators that not all of the 33 hostages who would be freed in the first phase of a possible cease-fire deal with Israel are still alive, and that the remains of those who have died would be among the initial releases. It is not clear how many of the 33 are still alive and how many are deceased. The first group of hostages meant to be released in the initial phase includes women, older men, and the sick and wounded who are among the more than 100 believed to still be held captive. Israeli and American officials have long assumed that some of the hostages may be dead.
The news that the first group of hostages to be released would include the remains of some taken seven months ago is likely to upset families who have been pressing the Israeli government to do more to free their loved ones. The fate of the hostages has become a major issue with the Israeli public, with thousands of demonstrators protesting to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to make a deal. Protesters blocked major roads in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in response to Hamas’s counteroffer.
Israeli officials have stated that Hamas’s counteroffer is not acceptable, but they have agreed to continue negotiations. Officials from various countries serving as intermediaries will gather in Cairo this week to review the counteroffer and discuss potential further progress. Israel has agreed to send a delegation to review the proposal and consider further concessions in order to move the negotiations forward.
The initial proposal from Israel envisions a first-phase, six-week cease-fire in exchange for the return of some of the hostages taken during the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks. Israeli officials wanted 40 hostages to be released in the first phase, but came to understand that Hamas did not hold that many individuals who fit the criteria. The disclosure that the first group of hostages to be released will include the remains of some taken seven months ago adds another layer of complexity to the negotiations.
The negotiations between Hamas and Israel come at a time when the fate of the hostages has become a pressing issue for the Israeli public. Families of the hostages continue to push for their release, while the government faces mounting pressure to secure a deal. The counteroffer from Hamas has stirred further emotions among protesters, leading to demonstrations and roadblocks in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on Monday.
As the negotiations continue, it remains to be seen whether a deal can be reached that satisfies all parties involved. Israeli officials have expressed willingness to keep negotiating, while Hamas has presented a counteroffer that introduces new challenges and considerations. The involvement of intermediaries from various countries adds another layer of complexity to the negotiations, with further discussions planned in Cairo this week to assess the progress and determine the next steps in the ceasefire agreement.
