Israeli Hostages
Who were the Israeli captives held by Hamas and when were they captured?
Hamas captured two Israeli captives, Avira Mengestu and Hisham al Sayed, after they crossed into Gaza. Mengestu was captured in 2014 while al Sayed was taken in 2015. Both were detained after they infiltrated the Gaza borders. Their release appears to be part of current ceasefire negotiations, which also involves an exchange of Palestinian prisoners. Among those scheduled for release are 47 Palestinians who were previously exchanged for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2011 but were re-detained by Israel in 2014.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)
Al Jazeera English
01:03 - 01:28
What is Hamas hoping to achieve with its flexibility in the Gaza ceasefire talks?
Hamas is demonstrating flexibility in ceasefire negotiations to pressure Israel into fulfilling its commitments under the agreement. Specifically, Hamas hopes mediators will compel Israel to allow mobile homes, tents, and heavy equipment into Gaza, addressing the humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, families of Israeli captives continue to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate a comprehensive deal that would secure the release of all remaining hostages. This dual pressure strategy aims to advance both humanitarian aid access and captive exchange objectives.
Watch clip answer (00:25m)Al Jazeera English
01:29 - 01:54
What is the current status of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations?
Hamas has agreed to release six living Israeli captives, including Hisham El Sayed and Avira Mengestu who were captured in 2014-2015 after infiltrating Gaza's borders. Additionally, 47 Palestinian prisoners are scheduled for release as part of the exchange. Hamas is demonstrating flexibility to pressure Israel to fulfill its end of the ceasefire agreement, specifically allowing mobile homes, tents, and equipment into Gaza. Meanwhile, families of Israeli captives continue pressuring Prime Minister Netanyahu to reach a comprehensive deal that would secure the return of all remaining hostages.
Watch clip answer (01:12m)Al Jazeera English
00:41 - 01:54
What is the current status of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations?
Hamas is showing flexibility in ceasefire negotiations, announcing the release of four Israeli captives' bodies to pressure Israel to fulfill its end of the agreement. Israel must allow mobile homes, tents, and heavy equipment into Gaza as part of the deal. Families of Israeli captives continue pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure an agreement that would bring home all remaining hostages. Israel is sending Ron Dermer, Netanyahu's confidant and minister of strategic affairs, to lead phase two of ceasefire talks. However, negotiations are significantly behind schedule, and mediators must ensure Israel doesn't resume fighting before finalizing the agreement.
Watch clip answer (00:44m)Al Jazeera English
01:29 - 02:14
What is the recent breakthrough in Gaza ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel?
Hamas has announced it will release the bodies of four Israeli captives, including Shiri Bibas and her children Ariel and Kfir, who were reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in November 2023. The father, Yarden, was freed earlier this month. In exchange, Israel will release half of the Palestinian women and children detained during the war. This reciprocal agreement represents a breakthrough in the ceasefire talks, though it comes ahead of the previously agreed timeline. The exact number of Palestinians who were forcibly disappeared or remain alive in detention remains unclear.
Watch clip answer (00:41m)Al Jazeera English
00:00 - 00:41
Why is the potential ceasefire agreement with Hamas considered contentious?
The potential ceasefire agreement is highly contentious because it would require a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. According to BBC Correspondent Mark Loewen, this withdrawal is 'bitterly opposed by the far right of Benjamin Netanyahu's government.' The withdrawal represents a major concession that has created significant political tension within Israel's coalition government. This phase of negotiations is particularly sensitive as it balances the humanitarian goal of releasing hostages against strategic military positions in Gaza that hardline elements consider essential to Israel's security interests.
Watch clip answer (00:09m)
CBS News
28:26 - 28:36