Hamas has handed over four coffins containing the bodies of hostages to the Red Cross. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that Hamas has transferred the bodies of four hostages. Reports from BBC and Al Jazeera state that the black-colored coffins were loaded onto Red Cross vehicles. These will later be handed over to Israeli security authorities.
Hamas has claimed that these hostages lost their lives due to Israeli military attacks on Gaza. The Palestinian militant group stated that they made every possible effort to protect the hostages and ensure their safety. However, due to Israel’s relentless and brutal bombardment, Hamas was unable to move many of the hostages to safer locations.
Addressing the families of the hostages, Hamas expressed that they would have preferred to return them alive. In a statement directed at the families, Hamas said, “You were under a leadership that failed to ensure the safety of its own people.”
Earlier reports indicated that as part of a ceasefire agreement between the two sides, Hamas would hand over the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including members of the Bibas family, on Thursday, February 20, in Khan Yunis, Gaza.
The ceasefire between the two sides began last month. While both parties had previously exchanged prisoners, this marks the first time Hamas has handed over the bodies of hostages.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that “the entire nation is heartbroken.” He added that they are dealing with “monsters” in this prisoner exchange.
Additional Updates:
Hamas is also expected to release six more hostages alive on Saturday. Previously, on November 15, Hamas freed three Israeli hostages: Alexander Trufanov, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Yair Horn.