Mediators successfully resolved the latest dispute in the Gaza ceasefire deal, allowing Israel and Hamas to move forward with planned exchanges. Israeli officials had delayed the release of 600 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday due to concerns over the treatment of Israeli hostages.
Hamas condemned the delay, calling it a violation of the agreement. As part of the resolution, Israel will release the prisoners while Hamas returns the bodies of 4 Israeli hostages. This exchange is expected to take place between Wednesday and Thursday.
The agreement also clears the way for US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to visit the region and push for discussions on the next Gaza ceasefire deal phase. In Israel, thousands gathered in Rishon LeZion for the funeral procession of Shiri Bibas and two young sons.
Hamas had taken them hostage during its October 7 attack, and they were later killed in captivity. Hamas officials confirmed that the dispute over prisoner releases had been resolved after their delegation met with Egyptian mediators in Cairo.
The group stated that the prisoners would be freed alongside the bodies of Israeli hostages. The ceasefire agreement’s first phase calls for 33 Israeli hostages to be exchanged for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.
So far, Hamas has freed 25 living hostages and returned the bodies of four others. Israel has also withdrawn forces from some areas of Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return home. The deal’s second phase could lead to the release of 57 remaining hostages, a complete Israeli military withdrawal, and a permanent ceasefire.
