Return of deceased captives
What is Hamas announcing regarding the release of captives as part of the ceasefire deal?
Hamas has announced they will return the bodies of four captives held in Gaza on Thursday, along with releasing six living captives on Saturday as part of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement. According to Khalil al Haya, Hamas chief in Gaza, this action demonstrates Hamas's commitment to upholding their end of the agreement. Hamas has also called on Israel to honor its terms of the deal, emphasizing the importance of both sides fulfilling their obligations in the ongoing negotiation process.
Watch clip answer (00:19m)
Al Jazeera English
00:00 - 00:20
What is the context and significance of Hamas's announcement regarding the captives and bodies?
The release of four bodies was already part of a negotiated agreement, occurring within the broader context of ensuring phase one of ceasefire negotiations does not falter. This development is significant because it represents ongoing efforts by parties to maintain dialogue, with mediators hoping negotiations on phase two would proceed. The announcement comes amid the delicate process of implementing agreements between the parties, with the focus on ensuring continued talks and preventing the breakdown of established frameworks in this complex conflict situation.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)Al Jazeera English
01:20 - 01:43
What is included in the first phase of the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel?
Hamas Chief Khalil al-Hayya announced that the first phase includes the return of four bodies and the release of six living captives scheduled for Saturday. This action demonstrates Hamas's commitment to upholding the ceasefire agreement negotiated between the parties. As part of the agreement, Hamas is calling on Israel to fulfill its obligations without exception or delay. Specifically, Israel must allow the entry of heavy equipment necessary for removing debris and recovering bodies of both Palestinian citizens and Israeli captives killed during the conflict, particularly those who died as a result of Israeli aerial bombardment.
Watch clip answer (00:46m)Al Jazeera English
00:04 - 00:51
What is Hamas offering as part of the ceasefire agreement with Israel?
Hamas has announced a significant humanitarian gesture as part of a ceasefire agreement, offering to return four bodies of captives and release six living captives held in Gaza. This exchange is designed to reunite Palestinian families affected by the conflict. Specifically, the agreement aims to unite half of the Palestinian women and children taken from Gaza with their families. Hamas leadership, including Khalil al Haya, has emphasized that Israel must honor all terms of the agreement, which includes allowing heavy equipment into Gaza to recover additional remains.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)Al Jazeera English
02:23 - 02:34
What effect will the return of deceased captives' bodies have on Israeli public sentiment?
According to Alon Liel, the return of captives' bodies would likely have a devastating effect on Israeli public opinion. He anticipates it will be a day of mourning that will shock Israelis, as the country has not yet experienced Hamas returning bodies. The media is already preparing the public for this possibility, with headlines suggesting bodies may be returned as early as Thursday. Despite the emotional toll, Liel emphasizes this would still be preferable to getting nothing from Hamas, as Israelis desperately want all hostages, both living and deceased, returned to Israel as soon as possible.
Watch clip answer (01:24m)
Al Jazeera English
03:22 - 04:47