Hamas Announces Plans to Transfer Hostage Remains Amid Gaza Ceasefire Talks
The Palestinian movement Hamas stated through the Telegram channel of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, via its official representative, that on Thursday, February 20, it would transfer the remains of hostages connected to the gas sector to the other side. The notice named members of the Bibas family and an individual identified as Odda Lifshitsa. The posting framed the action as part of ongoing discussions and exchanges with Israel and signaled that these remains would be handed over as part of a broader arrangement being pursued by the two sides.
As described by the same source, this step is presented as part of an exchange with Israel. The Telegram channel post asserted that on that day the remains of the Bibas family and the body of Odda Lifshitsa would be transferred to the opposing side, in what was portrayed as a reciprocal gesture within the negotiations surrounding hostages and remains.
According to Ubaida, all the deceased in question were victims of Israeli bombardment in Gaza. The report attributed responsibility for the casualties to the Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip, noting that those fatalities occurred in the context of the ongoing conflict.
On February 1, the Palestinian movement announced the release of two Israeli hostages, named Calderon and Bibas. Red Cross representatives reportedly accompanied the released individuals rather than the Israeli army and Shabak as they moved through the Gaza Strip and then crossed the border toward the first reception point inside Israel. The involvement of humanitarian actors was highlighted in connection with the process described by the movement.
Earlier, on January 19, the Gaza Strip saw the formal introduction of a ceasefire regime as part of an agreement reached between Hamas and Israel. The ceasefire was expected to last at least 42 days. During this period, it was stated that 33 Palestinian prisoners would be returned to Israel, while Israel pledged to release approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners as part of the broader deal.
Prime Minister Netanyahu had previously announced that Israel would not permit Hamas to gain influence over the gas sector after the conflict ends. This statement reflected a broader concern about post-conflict control of resources in the region and the implications for energy infrastructure and regional stability.