The Hidden 21
BREAKING: Hamas to Release the Bodies of 5 Slain Hostages Tonight
Despite violating the ceasefire agreement by failing to return all bodies, Hamas is reportedly preparing to hand over five additional deceased hostages tonight, while Israeli officials reject reports that talks on the next phase of the peace plan have begun.
Israel is preparing for another stage in the return of deceased hostages tonight, as Hamas continues to breach the terms of the agreed-upon exchange, citing difficulties in locating all the bodies. While Israeli estimates suggest between two to three bodies will be returned, a Qatari network is reporting a higher number.
The Qatari network Al-Araby reported that Hamas has confirmed it will hand over five additional bodies tonight, with the transfer expected around 9:00 PM. Israeli officials, however, are waiting for final confirmation from the Red Cross regarding the exact number of deceased hostages Hamas intends to release.
Hamas Cites 'Complex Ground Conditions'
Under the agreement, Hamas was obligated to return all live and deceased hostages by Monday at 12:00 PM. However, the terror group has failed to comply, having so far transferred the remains of only seven deceased captives: Uriel Baruch, Tamir Nimrodi, Eitan Levy, Yossi Sharabi, Bipin Joshi, Guy Illouz, and Captain Daniel Perez.
Hamas still holds the bodies of 21 deceased hostages and claims it is unable to locate the precise whereabouts of all of them. Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported that mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey have engaged in discussions with American officials, emphasizing the need to "understand the complex ground conditions" that are allegedly delaying the process. They claim that "some of the bodies are located in places that are difficult to reach and require significant time and effort." Egyptian sources further stated that Egyptian teams are working inside the Gaza Strip to locate the Israeli bodies and assist with their evacuation.
Confusion Over Mistaken Identity
The complexity of the handover was highlighted by a significant error made last night. It was revealed that one of the four bodies transferred by Hamas yesterday belonged to a Palestinian man from Jericho who had cooperated with the IDF and was murdered in a tunnel, a killing that the terror organization itself had previously publicized. Israeli sources insist that Hamas handed over this body mistakenly, not deliberately.
Denial of Phase Two Talks
Despite the ongoing complications in the first phase, Reuters reported that the Rafah border crossing is expected to open tomorrow under the supervision of a European Union force. Additionally, The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel and Hamas have begun talks in Egypt regarding Phase Two of the peace plan formulated by American President Donald Trump.
However, senior Israeli officials strongly rejected this report. "Negotiations on Phase Two have not begun," one official stated, emphasizing, "Phase One for the release of all the deceased hostages must be completed first."
According to The Wall Street Journal report, Phase Two discussions would focus on sensitive issues such as the structure of civilian governance in Gaza after the war, the disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of an Arab security force in the Strip. This force could potentially include an initial deployment of around 1,000 Palestinian police officers trained in Egypt and Jordan, as part of a larger plan for a 10,000-strong Palestinian security force. Yet, Prime Minister Netanyahu and many in his coalition have previously expressed opposition to the deployment of forces associated with the Palestinian Authority.