Israel recovered the remains of a soldier Oron Shaul from Gaza, where they had been held by Hamas since his death in the 2014 war, hours before a ceasefire and hostage release were set to begin, official said on Sunday.
After the 2014 Gaza war the bodies of Shaul and another soldier, Hadar Goldin, remained in Gaza and had not been returned despite a public campaign by their families, AP news agency reported.
Earlier today, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Gaza ceasefire would not commence until Hamas provided a list of hostages scheduled for release.
He repeated this condition in a statement shortly before the planned 8.30 am local time ceasefire.
Hamas attributed the delay in providing names to “technical field reasons” whilst affirming its commitment to the previously announced ceasefire agreement.
This development cast uncertainty over the scheduled ceasefire. Hamas was expected to free three hostages on Sunday in exchange for numerous Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, initiating a broader process aimed at concluding the 15-month conflict.
The initial 42-day phase of the ceasefire plans for the release of 33 hostages from Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces are to withdraw to a buffer zone in Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return home and enabling increased humanitarian aid delivery.
This marks the second ceasefire of the war, more extensive than the previous week-long pause, with potential for permanent cessation of hostilities.
Discussions for the more challenging second phase are set to begin in approximately two weeks. Questions persist about potential resumption of conflict after the six-week first phase and the liberation of the remaining hostages in Gaza.
Israel’s Cabinet endorsed the ceasefire during an unusual Sabbath session on Saturday, following the mediators’ announcement. Both the outgoing Biden administration and President-elect Trump pressed for an agreement before Monday’s US presidential inauguration.
The conflict’s impact has been severe, with forthcoming details expected to reveal its full extent.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 46,000 Palestinian casualties. The Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulted in over 1,200 deaths, with hundreds of Israeli military casualties.
Approximately 90% of Gaza’s residents have been displaced. UN reports indicate severe damage to healthcare facilities, roads and essential infrastructure. Post-ceasefire reconstruction would require years. Significant questions about Gaza’s political and general future remain unaddressed.
