Hostage posters Photo: Chen Schimmel/The Jerusalem Post
The Israeli authorities continue to implement the first phase of the agreement with the Hamas terrorist group on the release of hostages. In the coming weeks, another 20 people are expected to return, including women, children and the seriously ill. The first phase of the agreement provides for the return of 33 Israelis, and so far 18 people have been released, including five Thai nationals. Among the most recent releases are Keith Siegel, Ofer Calderon and Yarden Bibas, who returned to Israel on Saturday, Ynet News reports.
The next stages of the agreement include four rounds of hostage releases. First, three stages will take place, during which three people will be released every week. The final and largest stage is due to take place on the 42nd day of the deal and involves the return of 11 hostages. Among those expected in the coming weeks are mother Shiri Bibas and her two young children, Ariel and Kfir. The Israeli army expresses deep concern about their health.
The list for release also includes seven people over the age of 50, including Ohad Ben Ami, Eliyahu Sharabi, Yitzhak Elgart, Shlomo Mansur, Ohad Yahalomi, Oded Lifshitz and Tzachi Idan. In addition, ten people with serious illnesses or injuries are being prepared for release. Among them are Sagui Dekel Chen, Yair Horn, Omer Venkert, Alexander Trufanov, Elijah Cohen, Or Levi, Tal Shoham, Omer Shem Tov, as well as Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who have been in captivity for almost a decade.
A separate list includes two foreigners, citizens of Thailand and Nepal, as well as the bodies of three dead foreign workers, including two Thais and one Tanzanian.
According to the Israeli authorities, 79 people are still being held in the Gaza Strip, 35 of whom are presumed dead. After the first phase of the release is completed, 24 hostages will remain in captivity, who are not classified by Israel as dead.
New negotiations will then begin to determine the next steps for the return of the remaining prisoners. The Israeli military emphasises that Hamas is currently complying with the terms of the agreement and is likely to adhere to it until the first stage is completed.
