Israel preps for Hamas to release more hostages, return bodies of deceased

• Israel will receive six hostages from Hamas on Feb. 22 as part of a negotiated ceasefire deal, with Hamas expected to return the bodies of four deceased hostages on Feb. 20. The first phase of an agreement mediated by Qatar and Egypt requires these transfers.
• The Israeli government continues to advocate for the release of all hostages, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirming that negotiations are ongoing in Cairo.
• The ceasefire agreement involves exchanging hostages for Palestinian prisoners and permitting temporary housing structures in Gaza. The two sides will discuss Broader security concerns in the next phase.

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Israel is preparing to receive more hostages as part of a negotiated ceasefire deal with Hamas. According to Israeli officials, Hamas will release six hostages on Saturday, Feb. 22.

Additionally, the militant group agreed to return the bodies of four deceased hostages on Thursday, Feb. 20. The first phase of an agreement mediated by Qatar and Egypt requires these transfers.

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After these releases take place, only four of the 33 hostages originally set for release in the first phase will remain in Gaza. Israel has presumed the remaining captives dead, anticipating the return of their bodies on Thursday, Feb. 27.

How has Israel responded?

The Israeli government continues to advocate for the release of all hostages, actively involved in negotiations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that an Israeli delegation is heading to Cairo to discuss continuing the ceasefire deal. The talks aim to secure the release of additional hostages and address the conditions for the next phase of the agreement.

Meanwhile, Israel’s security cabinet has met to discuss strategies moving forward. Netanyahu has reiterated his support for a controversial proposal backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which involves Israeli control over Gaza after the war.

What are the terms of the ceasefire deal?

Under the first phase of the agreement, the two forces agreed to exchange captives. Hamas has released hostages in weekly increments, with names submitted to Israel the day before each exchange. So far, Hamas has freed 24 hostages, including Israeli civilians, female soldiers and five Thai nationals.

As part of the deal, Israel has allowed temporary housing structures to enter Gaza. The provision is seen as a step toward stabilizing conditions in the war-torn region as negotiations continue.

How are the families of hostages responding?

Families of those still held captive gathered outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem on Monday, Feb. 17, marking 500 days since the war between Israel and Hamas began.

Protesters called for immediate action to secure the release of all remaining hostages and demanded greater transparency from the Israeli government.

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What happens next?

Israeli officials said they are working to accelerate the release of the six living hostages still held in Gaza.

Talks in Cairo are expected to focus on implementing the next phase of the ceasefire deal, which includes securing the release of additional hostages while ensuring that humanitarian aid continues to flow into Gaza.

Negotiators are also addressing broader security concerns, including the future governance of Gaza, potential Israeli military operations and long-term regional stability.

The coming days will be critical as Israel, Hamas and international mediators work to finalize the details of the next stage of the agreement.