Palestinian Prisoners
What is Israel offering in exchange for Hamas releasing the bodies of Israeli captives?
In exchange for Hamas releasing the bodies of four Israeli captives (including Shiri Bibas and her children), Israel will set free half of the women and children that Israeli forces took from Gaza during the war. This prisoner exchange represents a significant development in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between the two sides. However, the situation remains complex, as it's unclear exactly how many Palestinians were forcibly disappeared during the conflict or how many remain alive. This uncertainty adds another layer of complication to the negotiations as both sides work toward broader agreements.
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Al Jazeera English
00:27 - 00:41
What is the historical context of Avira Mengestu and Hisham al Said's captivity by Hamas?
Hamas captured Avira Mengestu and Hisham al Said in 2014 and 2015 respectively after they crossed into Gaza territory. Their release is part of current negotiations that include the exchange of Palestinian prisoners. Among those scheduled for release are 47 Palestinian prisoners who were previously handed over to Israel in 2011 in exchange for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, but were later detained again in 2014. This prisoner exchange highlights the complex and cyclical nature of captivity negotiations between Hamas and Israel over the past decade.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)Al Jazeera English
01:03 - 01:28
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.
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Al Jazeera English
01:03 - 01:28
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