After hostage release, Hamas delivers bodies of 4 captives to Israel

Gaza City (Web Desk): The Palestinian resistance group Hamas handed over the bodies of four captives to Israel after releasing 20 hostages as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement.

According to Israeli media, the bodies were transferred to Israel through the International Committee of the Red Cross and identified as Guy Eluz, Yossi Sharabi, Bipin Joshi, and Daniel Perez.

Hamas stated that the release of the remaining 24 bodies may take more time as their burial locations have not yet been determined. A day earlier, the group had freed 20 living hostages under the terms of the truce, who were reported to be in good condition upon their return.

Meanwhile, 1,968 Palestinian prisoners were released from Israeli jails and returned to Gaza and the West Bank. The emotional reunions were marked by tears, joy, and embraces as families met their loved ones after years of separation.

One of the freed Palestinians expressed gratitude, saying, “We thank God first, and then salute the people of Gaza and the resistance for securing our dignified release.”

He also described the harsh treatment in prison, revealing that prisoners had been removed from their cells four days prior and subjected to beatings and humiliation.

Earlier on Monday, Hamas has officially handed over all 20 surviving Israeli hostages to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza, Israeli media reported.

According to Israel’s public broadcaster, the handover took place in two phases. The final batch of 13 hostages was transferred in Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza, marking the completion of the exchange process.

The Red Cross is overseeing the safe transfer of the released hostages to Israeli authorities under the framework of the Gaza peace agreement, which also includes the upcoming release of around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

The move is being seen as a major milestone in the implementation of the peace accord and a potential turning point toward easing regional tensions after years of conflict.

The leaders of US, Egypt, Turkiye and Qatar have signed a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas during a peace summit in Egyptian city Sharm el-Sheikh, marking a landmark moment in efforts to bring lasting stability to the Middle East.

The event was attended by several world leaders, including Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, U.S. President Donald Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, among others.

The Gaza Peace Agreement encompasses provisions for a permanent ceasefire, the exchange of prisoners, restoration of humanitarian aid, and the initiation of large-scale reconstruction projects.

These measures collectively aim to establish lasting peace, stability, and hope for the war-torn Gaza Strip after years of conflict.