GAZA: Hamas announced that it will release four Israeli hostages bodies on Thursday, including the Bibas children.
The group also revealed plans to free six living hostages on Saturday. This exceeds previous expectations of three.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed these developments after negotiations in Cairo. It’s the first substantial progress in weeks.
Hamas stated that four additional dead hostages will be handed over next week. Israel’s Hostage Families Forum confirmed the news.
Families of both dead and living hostages have been notified by Israel. This provides them some closure.
Hostage Exchange Agreement
According to Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas’s chief negotiator, the bodies of Kfir and Ariel Bibas will be released. They were among the youngest held by the group.
Both children were taken by Hamas in October 2023. They were nine months and four years old, respectively.
Hamas also confirmed that it would release six living hostages on Saturday. This decision is an unexpected breakthrough in negotiations.
Israel confirmed the release of these hostages, stating an agreement was finalized in Cairo. The deal involves significant steps.
Israel will likely reciprocate by freeing Palestinian prisoners, a pattern seen in previous releases. The negotiation process continues.
Kidnapping Victims Identified
The announcement by Hamas strongly indicates the death of Kfir and Ariel Bibas. Both children were reportedly killed during an Israeli airstrike in November 2023.
Their deaths were previously claimed by Hamas, who also released a disturbing video. In the video, their father Yarden blamed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
An Israeli military spokesperson called the video “psychological terror.” However, the military has not confirmed the children’s deaths.
Family members were informed that Kfir and Ariel might no longer be alive. This has been emotionally challenging for their relatives.
Yarden Bibas, who was held hostage by Hamas, was released on February 1, 2025. He was reunited with his family.
Impact on Hostage Families
Kfir Bibas became a well-known figure, symbolizing the tragic aftermath of the October 7 terror attacks. His image, featuring him with a toy elephant, has been widely circulated.
Families of hostages continue to call for the return of loved ones. Posters and social media campaigns show pictures of the Bibas children and others.
The Israeli government continues efforts to negotiate the safe return of all hostages. This includes talks on future phases of the hostage-ceasefire agreement.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed that negotiations will start this week. The goal is to reach an agreement by the 42nd day of the truce.
Saar emphasized that a long-term agreement is also an option. This remains a key focus for Israel’s foreign policy.
Negotiations Continue
The release of these hostages signals a shift in the ongoing conflict. Hamas’s agreement to release more hostages is a step forward.
Israel hopes the next phase of negotiations will build on this. It is a critical moment for both sides.
Both nations are under international pressure to reach a long-term peace deal. Many see these releases as potential steps toward broader negotiations.
The hostage crisis continues to affect both Israeli and Palestinian families. Each new development is eagerly watched by the global community.
This ongoing situation underscores the complexity of hostages being used as bargaining chips in the conflict.
