Hamas has announced that they will be returning the bodies of four Israeli hostages on Thursday in exchange for Israel's release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. This development comes just days before the first phase of the ceasefire between the two parties was set to expire.
Israel has delayed the release of approximately 600 Palestinian prisoners since Saturday in protest of what they claim is the cruel treatment of hostages during their release by Hamas. The militant group has labeled this delay as a 'serious violation' of the ceasefire and has stated that talks on a second phase cannot proceed until the Palestinian prisoners are freed.
A Hamas spokesman confirmed that the bodies of the four Israelis will be handed over the following day.
Arab League Condemns Israeli Airstrikes in Syria
The head of the Arab League has condemned Israeli airstrikes and ground incursions in Syria as a 'reckless provocation and an escalation' that aims to establish an 'illegal and illegitimate reality' during the political transition in Syria. The Arab League Secretary-General called on the international community to denounce this aggression and prevent further tension in the region.
Israel has been conducting airstrikes on military sites in Syria since the fall of former President Bashar Assad. Israeli forces have also moved into territory in southern Syria near the Golan Heights, citing security concerns and indicating their intention to remain there indefinitely.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will not allow Syria's new army to enter the area south of Damascus.
Israelis Mourn Mother and Children Killed in Gaza
Tens of thousands of Israelis lined the highways to pay their respects as the bodies of an Israeli mother and her two children, who were killed in Gaza, were transported for burial. The family was kidnapped from their home in October 2023, and their bodies were released by Hamas as part of a ceasefire agreement.
The father of the children was also taken captive but was released earlier. The family will be buried on Wednesday afternoon.
While Hamas claims the family was killed in an Israeli airstrike, the Israeli military denies this and asserts that the children were killed by their captors.
