Israel is preparing to receive the bodies of four hostages from Gaza on Thursday and is working to secure the release of six living captives on Saturday, an Israeli security official said Monday.
If both transfers proceed as planned, only four hostages—presumed dead—would remain in Gaza from the group of 33 set to be freed in the first phase of a ceasefire deal brokered last month. The agreement, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, has held despite periodic setbacks and mutual accusations of violations.
Hamas has accused Israel of obstructing the entry of housing materials for displaced Gazans enduring winter conditions in the ruins left by 15 months of Israeli bombardment. Israel denies the claim, but Zeev Elkin, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, acknowledged that mobile homes intended for Gaza remain stalled at the border.
“We will use any leverage necessary to secure the release of the hostages, especially those still alive,” Elkin told Israeli broadcaster Kan.
So far, 19 Israeli hostages have been released, along with five Thai nationals in an unplanned handover. Hamas has said 25 of the 33 captives designated for release in this phase are alive.
Meanwhile, discussions have begun on a second phase of the ceasefire deal, which would address the return of remaining hostages and an Israeli troop withdrawal. Israeli negotiators have already traveled to Cairo, and a high-level delegation has been cleared to visit Qatar for further talks.
The hostages were abducted during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which killed around 1,200 people, according to Israeli authorities. In response, Israel launched a military campaign that has killed more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health officials, and displaced hundreds of thousands.