Hamas hands over captives' bodies as 'Israel' finally releases Palestinian detainees

According to Hebrew media reports, the bodies of four "Israeli" captives have arrived in "Israel".

The remains were handed over by the Red Cross at the Karem Abu Salem crossing

Hebrew media reported that the "Israeli" army has officially received the bodies of four "Israeli" captives from the Red Cross at the Karem Abu Salem crossing.

According to local media reports, five Palestinian detainees who were recently released as part of the ongoing prisoner exchange have arrived at their homes in occupied Jerusalem.

After a prolonged delay, the release of 620 Palestinian detainees from "Israeli" prisons has begun, following a deal brokered by mediators.

Freed Palestinian detainee Khaled Halabi has arrived at his home in occupied Jerusalem following his release, local sources report.

His return comes amid a heavy "Israeli" military presence, as occupation forces have surrounded the area around his residence.

A Red Cross bus transporting a group of recently released Palestinian detainees has arrived in Beitunia in the occupied West Bank.

The bus is being escorted by "Israeli" forces as part of the ongoing prisoner exchange process.

Red Cross buses have departed from Ofer Prison and are now en route to Beitunia in the occupied West Bank, where the release of Palestinian detainees is expected to take place.

Families and crowds have gathered in Beitunia in anticipation of the detainees' arrival, as tensions remain high amid continued "Israeli" military presence in the area.

Al-Aqsa TV reported that Israeli Occupation military vehicles opened fire early today east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

The process of releasing Palestinian detainees is set to begin following the handover of four "Israeli" captives’ bodies to the Red Cross in Gaza.

Red Cross buses have now arrived near Ofer Prison, west of Ramallah, where Palestinian detainees are expected to be released.

Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas handed over bodies of four "Israeli" captives to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).  

The four deceased captives, identified as Tsahi Idan, Itzik Al-Jarit, Ohad Yahalomi, and Shlomi Mansour, were captured during the ongoing aggression that has claimed the lives of nearly 48,348 people, with a majority of the casualties being women and children.

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem confirmed earlier this week that the exchange would occur “in parallel with “Israel’s” release of the delayed batch of Palestinian detainees, including women and children.”

This marks the completion of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner swap.

In exchange for the bodies, “Israel” has agreed to release a significant number of Palestinian detainees, fulfilling one of the key terms of the deal brokered by Egyptian mediators. The prisoner swap had initially been delayed due to concerns over compliance, but new guarantees were reportedly secured, ensuring both parties adhere to their commitments.

This latest development brings to a close the first phase of the exchange, which has already seen the release of 33 “Israeli” captives and 1,737 Palestinian detainees over the past six weeks. 

However, “Israel” has faced criticism for its refusal to release 620 Palestinian detainees in exchange for the four bodies of Israeli captives, citing concerns over the "degrading handover ceremonies."

As of now, the ceasefire remains in place, but uncertainty continues to loom over the future of peace efforts as both sides prepare for the next phase of negotiations.

Hundreds of Palestinians are currently gathered in Ramallah and Beitunia to welcome the detainees released as part of the ongoing prisoner exchange.

In Beitunia, tensions escalated as "Israeli" military forces raided the town, located near Ofer Prison west of Ramallah.

During the raid, "Israeli" forces fired tear gas canisters, further heightening the unrest.

Families in Khan Younis, located in the southern Gaza Strip, are anxiously awaiting the arrival of detainees who are being released as part of the ongoing prisoner exchange deal.

The release is part of a broader agreement that has already seen the freeing of Palestinian detainees and the handover of four "Israeli" captives' bodies.

"Israeli" media reports that forensic teams from "Israel" are preparing at the Karem Abu Salem crossing for the initial identification of the bodies of captives being returned today.

The Israeli Health Ministry confirmed the teams are stationed at the crossing, ready to conduct preliminary examinations before any further identification processes.

Hebrew media reports that Red Cross teams are en route to a designated collection point in Gaza to retrieve the bodies of captives.

The transfer is expected to take place as part of ongoing agreements regarding the exchange of detainees and remains between the parties.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has played a key role in facilitating these transfers, ensuring the process adheres to humanitarian protocols. However, tensions remain high following recent incidents, including a mistaken handover by Hamas last week.

Further details on the handover process and the condition of the bodies have not yet been disclosed.

"Israel’s" Health Ministry has announced that the identification of four captives' remains, set to be returned today, will take place at the Karem Abu Salem crossing—referred to as Kerem Shalom by "Israelis"—rather than at the Forensic Institute in Tel Aviv.

The Tel Aviv facility had previously handled the identification of bodies transferred by Hamas.

The decision comes amid growing distrust of Hamas following a recent error in which the group mistakenly handed over the body of an unidentified woman instead of that of deceased captive Shiri Bibas.

"Israeli" authorities have cited concerns over the accuracy and reliability of Hamas' handling of the bodies.

Officials stated that if the condition of the remains prevents confirmation at the border crossing, they will be sent to the forensic institute in "Israel" for further examination.