Hamas told negotiators on Monday that not all of the 33 hostages that would be released in the first phase of a possible ceasefire deal with Israel are still alive and that the remains of those who died would be among the first releases, according to two people familiar with it are familiar with the conversations.
The revelation came as part of Hamas’s counteroffer to Israel’s latest proposal, which calls for a six-week ceasefire in the first phase in return for the return of some of the hostages captured during the Oct. 7 terror attacks. It was not clear whether Hamas announced how many of the 33 were still alive and how many were dead.
The first group of hostages to be released in the initial phase of the proposed deal would include women, elderly men and the sick and wounded, among more than 100 people believed to still be held captive. The Israelis initially wanted to release 40 people in the first phase, but found that Hamas was not holding as many who met the criteria. Israeli and American officials have long believed that some of the hostages may be dead.
The news that the first group of hostages to be released would include the remains of some taken seven months ago is sure to anger families who have been pressing the Israeli government to do more to free their loved ones. The fate of the hostages has become a major issue among the Israeli public as thousands of protesters poured into the streets to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to negotiate a deal. Protesters blocked key streets in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv late Monday following Hamas’ counteroffer.
Israeli officials said Hamas’s counteroffer was unacceptable, but they agreed to continue negotiations. Officials from various countries acting as mediators will meet again in Cairo this week to discuss the counteroffer and see whether further progress can be made. Israel has agreed to send a delegation to examine the proposal and consider further concessions.
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2024-05-07 04:12:04
www.nytimes.com
