Return of deceased captives
What developments have been announced regarding the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas?
Israel has announced it will begin indirect negotiations with Hamas over phase two of the Gaza ceasefire deal this week. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that a deal has been reached with Hamas to release six living hostages this weekend. Additionally, the bodies of four deceased hostages are scheduled to be transferred on Thursday. This announcement represents a significant development in the ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas while establishing a more comprehensive ceasefire framework in Gaza.
Watch clip answer (00:16m)
CBS News
00:00 - 00:16
What is Israel offering in return for the hostages being released by Hamas?
In return for the hostages being released by Hamas, Israel has committed to freeing all women prisoners and those under the age of 19 who were arrested since October 8, 2023, the day after the Hamas attacks. This prisoner exchange is part of the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between the parties. Additionally, Israel has begun allowing essential construction equipment into Gaza from Egypt, including heavy machinery for rubble removal. These concessions represent significant humanitarian steps as part of the fragile peace process following the October 7 attacks.
Watch clip answer (00:25m)
BBC News
03:06 - 03:31
What is the current status of hostage negotiations between Hamas and Israel?
Despite a snag in the negotiations that raised concerns about possible stalling, the hostage-prisoner exchanges appear to be moving forward. There has been significant diplomatic effort from Qatar and Egypt working through back channels to facilitate progress. While strong language has been used by all parties involved in the negotiations, current indicators suggest positive momentum in the right direction. The developments signal that despite the previous back-and-forth tensions, the parties are working toward continuing the exchange process as planned.
Watch clip answer (00:26m)
ABC News
02:26 - 02:52
What is included in Hamas' upcoming hostage release and what are they getting in exchange?
Hamas has announced plans to release the bodies of four deceased Israeli hostages on Thursday, including the two youngest captives, Kfir and Ariel Bibbus. Additionally, Hamas will release six living hostages on Saturday, instead of the previously expected three. This hostage release is reportedly being made in exchange for allowing more humanitarian aid into Gaza, specifically mobile homes and construction equipment that is desperately needed, especially in northern Gaza. This exchange represents a significant humanitarian negotiation in the ongoing conflict, addressing both Israeli families' needs for closure and Gaza's urgent reconstruction requirements.
Watch clip answer (00:41m)ABC News
00:28 - 01:10
What is included in Hamas's plan for releasing hostages under the ceasefire deal?
According to the clip, Hamas has announced plans to release six living hostages along with the bodies of four Israeli hostages this week, specifically on Thursday. The bodies include members of the Bebas (or Bibbas) family. Prime Minister Netanyahu's office has confirmed this action, stating that it aligns with phase one of the negotiated ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. This development represents a significant moment in the ongoing hostage situation, providing some Israeli families with closure while demonstrating initial compliance with the ceasefire terms.
Watch clip answer (00:16m)ABC News
00:11 - 00:28
What happened to the Bibbas children who were kidnapped during the October 7 attacks?
The Bibbas children, aged nine months and four years old, were kidnapped during the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, becoming one of the most recognizable families of the tragic event. While their father Yarden was released alive on February 1st, the fate of the children remained unknown for months, with many people wondering about their whereabouts and condition. Recent developments suggest the worst fears have been confirmed, as Hamas has indicated they are deceased. This news has profound emotional impact in Israel, where the family, particularly Kefir (the four-year-old), had become symbolic of the hostage crisis following the October attacks.
Watch clip answer (00:46m)
ABC News
01:16 - 02:03