Hamas released four deceased hostages to the Red Cross on Thursday, marking a significant development in the initial phase of the cease-fire between the militant group and Israel.
This exchange, confirmed by an Israeli security official, occurred in the Gaza Strip with assistance from Egyptian mediators who facilitated the delivery of the caskets, which Israeli officials have started to identify.
In a parallel action, Israel released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, a move that had been previously postponed. Red Cross convoys played a crucial role in the transportation of these detainees.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the exchange on Wednesday, emphasizing that it would likely proceed without the humiliating “ceremonies” previously staged by Hamas.
ISRAEL’S UN AMBASSADOR SLAMS HAMAS’ ‘EVIL AND DEPRAVED’ DISPLAY OF HOSTAGES’ COFFINS
On Saturday, Netanyahu temporarily postponed the seventh hostage-prisoner exchange in response to Hamas’s release ceremonies, which were perceived as propaganda. During one disturbing ceremony, hostages were compelled to pose with Hamas fighters and kiss militants on the head.
Netanyahu stated, “In light of Hamas’s repeated violations, including the ceremonies that humiliate our hostages and the cynical exploitation of our hostages for propaganda purposes, we have decided to delay the release of terrorists planned for yesterday until the next hostages’ release is assured and conducted without the humiliating ceremonies.”
Hamas termed the delay a “serious violation,” although international organizations, including the United Nations, condemned the militant group’s treatment of prisoners.
FUNERAL HELD FOR SHIRI BIBAS AND HER SONS AFTER THEIR REMAINS HANDED OVER BY HAMAS
The United Nations emphasized that under international law, any transfer of remains must adhere to prohibitions against cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, ensuring respect for the dignity of the deceased and their families, as stated by High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.
Israeli United Nations Ambassador Danny Danon remarked to Fox News Digital that Hamas’ “ceremonies” were “evil and depraved.”
Danon asserted, “For 16 months, Israel has been combating a deranged terrorist organization that places no value on human life, particularly Israeli or Jewish lives, while international institutions like the U.N. have refrained from condemning Hamas and formally demanding the immediate return of our hostages,” as he expressed the urgency of the situation.
