Feb 19 (V7N) – Israel and Hamas are set to begin indirect negotiations on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire, as Hamas prepares to hand over more hostages, including the bodies of two children, officials said Tuesday.

Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya announced that the bodies of four hostages, including those of the Bibas family, will be returned on Thursday, with six living hostages to follow on Saturday. Another four deceased hostages will be released next week.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the deal but did not name the hostages. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said ceasefire negotiations, delayed since February 4, would begin this week.

The Bibas family, including Kfir Bibas (1) and Ariel Bibas (4), became high-profile captives after their abduction on October 7, 2023. Hamas claims Israeli airstrikes killed the children and their mother, though Israel has not confirmed this. 

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