Hamas Seeks Further Ceasefire Talks Following Hostage-Prisoner Exchange
By Mark Armstrong | Galaxy Tribune
Final Exchange Under Initial Ceasefire Agreement
KHAN YOUNIS – Hamas announced on Thursday its willingness to negotiate the next phase of the ceasefire in Gaza following a significant prisoner-hostage exchange. The militant group handed over what it identified as the remains of four Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of more than 600 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
This marked the last agreed-upon swap under the current truce, which is set to expire this weekend. Discussions regarding the second phase—potentially involving the release of additional hostages in exchange for more prisoners and an extended ceasefire—have yet to commence.
Identification of Hostages’ Remains
An Israeli organization representing the families of hostages has confirmed that three of the four bodies have been identified. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum announced that the remains of Ohad Yahalomi, Itzhak Elgarat, and Shlomo Mantzur have been returned to Israel.
Mantzur, who was 85 years old, was killed during the attack on October 7, 2023, and his body was taken into Gaza. The other two individuals were initially abducted alive, but the details surrounding their deaths remain unclear.
Hamas emphasized in a statement that the only viable path to securing the release of remaining hostages lies in negotiations. It cautioned that any deviation from the current agreement would only prolong the suffering of captives and their families.
Palestinian Prisoners Released in Exchange
Hamas confirmed that over 600 Palestinian prisoners had been released overnight, many of whom were held in Israeli custody following the October 2023 attack.
Some of the released prisoners expressed their gratitude by kneeling as they disembarked from buses in Khan Younis upon arriving in Gaza. Others who returned to the West Bank town of Beitunia were greeted with enthusiastic welcomes from family members and supporters.
Israel delayed the prisoner release on Saturday, citing concerns over Hamas’s practice of publicly displaying hostages in front of crowds and cameras during their release. International organizations, including the Red Cross and the United Nations, criticized these public spectacles as degrading for the captives. However, Hamas quietly transferred four bodies to the Red Cross overnight, without any public ceremony. Some released prisoners expressed their gratitude by kneeling as they disembarked from buses in Khan Younis upon arriving in Gaza. Others who returned to the West Bank town of Beitunia were greeted with enthusiastic welcomes from family members and supporters.
Israel delayed the prisoner release on Saturday, citing concerns over Hamas’s practice of publicly displaying hostages in front of crowds and cameras during their release. International organizations, including the Red Cross and the United Nations, criticized these public spectacles as degrading for the captives. However, Hamas quietly transferred four bodies to the Red Cross overnight, without any public ceremony.
Uncertain Future for Ceasefire Talks
The first phase of the ceasefire, which lasted six weeks, is set to conclude this weekend. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has expressed hopes for immediate negotiations regarding the second phase. These discussions were originally scheduled to begin in early February but have yet to take place.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains focused on recovering all hostages and dismantling Hamas’ governing and military capabilities in Gaza. The Trump administration has backed these objectives. However, achieving these goals without reigniting conflict presents a significant challenge, as Hamas is unlikely to release the remaining hostages without securing a long-term ceasefire.
The current ceasefire, brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, temporarily ended a 15-month war that was initiated by Hamas’ assault on southern Israel in October 2023. This conflict resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages being taken. If the identities of the recently transferred bodies are confirmed, 59 hostages will still remain in Gaza, with 32 believed to be deceased.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military campaign has led to the deaths of over 48,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities. The war has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, displacing nearly 90% of its population and severely weakening its healthcare system.
As the ceasefire nears its expiration, the world watches to see whether both sides will return to negotiations or if hostilities will resume.
