Gaza Hostage Release
What recent announcement has Hamas made regarding Israeli captives?
Hamas has announced a significant breakthrough in Gaza ceasefire talks, committing to release the remains of four Israeli captives, including Shiri Bibas and her children Ariel and Kfir, who were reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in November 2023. Yarden Bibas, the father, was freed earlier this month. Additionally, Hamas will release six living Israeli captives on February 22, including Hisham Al Sayed and Avera Mengestu, who were captured in 2014 and 2015 after crossing Gaza borders. In exchange, Israel will release half of the Palestinian women and children detained during the war, though the exact number of Palestinians who remain in Israeli custody is undisclosed.
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Al Jazeera English
00:47 - 02:01
What is Hamas's latest ceasefire proposal for the Gaza conflict?
Hamas's latest proposal offers to release all remaining Israeli captives, including male soldiers abducted on October 7, in a one-time exchange rather than the phased approach of current negotiations. In return, Hamas demands a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and a definitive end to the war. This proposal represents a significant shift from the current phase one negotiations, as it would conclude the hostage situation in a single comprehensive agreement. While there has been no official Israeli response yet, the proposal faces potential opposition within Israeli political circles, particularly from right-wing factions who remain resistant to ending military operations in Gaza.
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Al Jazeera English
03:27 - 04:06
What is Hamas proposing in the ceasefire negotiations to pressure Israel?
Hamas is showing flexibility in the ceasefire negotiations by proposing a prisoner exchange that would release all remaining Israeli captives. This flexibility is intended to pressure Israel to fulfill its end of the ceasefire agreement, specifically allowing mobile homes, tents, and heavy equipment into Gaza. Meanwhile, families of Israeli captives are maintaining pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu to reach a deal that would bring home all remaining captives. Israel is dispatching Ron Dermer, Netanyahu's confidant and minister of strategic affairs, to lead negotiations on phase two of the ceasefire, though talks are currently behind schedule.
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02:16 - 03:01
What is Hamas's proposal for phase two of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza?
Hamas has outlined a comprehensive proposal for phase two of the ceasefire agreement, suggesting a single prisoner swap that would release all remaining Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and detainees. This proposal comes with specific conditions, as Hamas spokesman Hazem Qasem emphasized it must lead to a permanent ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. As a gesture of commitment to the ceasefire process, Hamas has already announced the planned release of four bodies of Israeli captives on Thursday and six living captives on Saturday. The group states this demonstrates its flexibility and willingness to engage in the peace process while urging Israel to reciprocate with similar commitment.
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00:00 - 00:43
What is the next step in the Gaza ceasefire agreement regarding Israeli captives?
The next step involves the release of four captives' bodies back to Israel on Thursday, with Hamas stating these include members of the Bibas family - Shiri and her two children. This handover will be particularly sensitive compared to previous exchanges involving living captives. Additionally, Hamas has agreed to release six living captives this Saturday in a single batch, rather than over two weeks as originally planned. These six captives were previously scheduled for release but will now be freed together as part of the ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
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04:58 - 05:40
What is the current state of Gaza ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas?
The Israeli prime minister recently dispatched a negotiating team for phase two of ceasefire talks after weeks of delay. Netanyahu reportedly wants to extend phase one to release more captives, while Hamas is adamant about proceeding with the full deal as originally structured. Families of Israeli captives are pressuring Netanyahu to see the deal through, speaking in parliament and at protests, arguing it's the only way to ensure the release of their loved ones. Meanwhile, there remains uncertainty about Israel's specific objectives for phase two, creating tension between the government's military goals and the urgency expressed by captives' families.
Watch clip answer (00:38m)Al Jazeera English
04:19 - 04:57