Palestinian radical group Hamas has informed ceasefire negotiators that not all of the 33 hostages who would be freed in the first phase of a possible deal with Israel are still alive, the New York Times reported, citing sources.
“According to reports, extremists plan to return the remains of those who have died to Israel in the initial phase of the agreement, pending negotiations.”
Jerrymusa.com reports that however, it remains unclear how many of the 33 hostages are still alive and how many have died, as Hamas has not disclosed this information.
Ceasefire talk Continues
Negotiators are set to meet again in Cairo this week to discuss the deal, despite Israel’s ongoing military operation in southern Gaza.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s Al Araby Al Jadeed has published a draft ceasefire agreement, which includes the release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
The initial phase of the proposed agreement would involve the release of 33 individuals, including women, children, teenagers under 19, people over 50, and the sick and wounded, in exchange for a significant number of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.”