Recap:
Hamas proposed an accelerated release of all remaining captives in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
The Context:
On October 7th, 2023, Hamas took 251 hostages, 70 of whom remain in Gaza, with at least 35 confirmed dead by Israel. As part of the January ceasefire agreement, Hamas has been releasing hostages in stages. In return, Israel has freed Palestinian prisoners and allowed humanitarian aid into Gaza.
This week Hamas returned four deceased hostages - Oded Lifshitz, Shiri Bibas, and her two red headed children, Ariel and Kfir. The state of the Bibas family has remained largely unknown since the start of the war. Yarden Bibas was held separately from his wife & sons and freed from captivity during the first phase of the deal. His family, however, was not released, and their fate was uncertain until now.
Family members of the hostages expressed frustration over premature announcements by Israeli authorities, emphasizing that final identification of the bodies must be completed before any conclusions are drawn. Following the return of the four bodies, on Saturday Hamas will release the final six living hostages stipulated for return in the first phase of the ceasefire deal and then four more bodies next week.
This week, Hamas proposed a dramatic shift, especially considering since negotiations were on the brink of falling apart just a week ago, offering to release all remaining hostages at once if Israel agrees to a full military withdrawal and permanent ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under pressure from the US and most of the Israeli population, appointed close adviser Ron Dermer to lead negotiations for the next phase of the ceasefire deal. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, stated that Phase Two of the ceasefire is “absolutely going to begin,” despite Netanyahu’s reluctance to commit to a withdrawal without Hamas' complete demilitarization.
Conversation Points:
How will Hamas’ offer to release all remaining hostages in a single exchange affect Israeli decision-making? Will Netanyahu compromise or maintain a hardline stance?
Can Netanyahu balance demands from his right-wing coalition with international pressure to move forward with ceasefire negotiations?
What are the risks and benefits of Israel agreeing to a full military withdrawal from Gaza?
Notes:
Times of Israel, "Bibas and Lifshitz families cling to hope ahead of final confirmation of hostages’ fate," Feb. 19, 2025.
Guardian, "Hamas offers handover of all hostages to Israel if next phase of ceasefire agreed," Feb. 19, 2025.
Jerusalem Post, "Hamas proposes release of all phases two hostages at once," Feb. 18, 2025.
ABC News, "Bodies of 4 hostages, including Bibas family, to be released by Hamas," Feb. 19, 2025.
AFP, "Heartbreaking day ahead for Israel, says Netanyahu," Feb. 19, 2025.
Washington Post, "Hostage families question delay in ceasefire talks as Hamas proposes freeing all captives," Feb. 19, 2025.
AP News, "Hamas says it will free 6 living hostages and hand over 4 bodies, accelerating Gaza releases," Feb. 18, 2025.
USA Today, "Two red-headed babies are symbols on Oct. 7 attacks. Hamas says their bodies are coming home," Feb. 19, 2025.
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