Gaza truce: exchange of bodies slows, Netanyahu plans extension of conflict

The return of the bodies of dead hostages and tension in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas

The conclusion of the first phase of the Gaza truce agreement has been blocked by a gruesome exchange of bodies, including that of Shiri Bibas, one of the Israeli victims, and an anonymous Palestinian woman. The situation is further complicated by the display of four black coffins on a stage by Hamas, a gesture described as ‘abominable’ by the UN. Israel reacted by suspending the release of 602 Palestinian detainees, planned in exchange for the release of six live hostages.

Israel has now demanded that Hamas immediately hand over four more bodies of dead hostages, without further public ceremony, as happened with the bodies of the Bibas family and Oded Lipshitz. Only then will the Palestinian prisoners be released.

Among the Palestinian prisoners are hundreds of those sentenced to long terms, many of them serving life sentences for terrorist attacks. Hamas has not yet officially responded to the Israeli proposal, but two internal sources gave conflicting statements. An unnamed official said that two Israeli bodies could be returned soon, while Mahmoud Mardawi, a leader of the group, denied that there is any change in Hamas’ position, reiterating that Israel must first free the 600 Palestinian prisoners.

Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff said he will seek to extend the truce and will be in the Middle East this week to negotiate an extension of the agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s goal is to obtain the release of all hostages in a single operation, followed by a new phase of war in Gaza, with refuge areas for civilians run by international organisations.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)