Israel and Hamas Complete First Phase of Ceasefire Exchange as Dozens of Hostages Remain in Gaz
Israel and Hamas have completed the final exchange of hostages under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza conflict. As negotiations for the second phase are set to begin, the future of the ceasefire remains uncertain, with dozens of hostages still held in Gaza.
Completion of the First Phase of Ceasefire Exchange
On Thursday, Hamas released the remains of four Israeli hostages, while Israel freed hundreds of Palestinian prisoners as part of the negotiated ceasefire deal. The first phase, which officially ends this weekend, facilitated the release of multiple hostages and detainees, but concerns remain about those still in captivity.
Hamas had abducted 251 people during its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Throughout the ceasefire’s first phase, 147 hostages were freed, including five Thai nationals who were released separately. However, among those released, eight had already been killed. In return, Israel released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Current Hostage Situation
As per the latest data:
- Total hostages taken on October 7, 2023: 251
- Hostages taken before October 7: 2 individuals who entered Gaza in 2014 and 2015, along with the bodies of two soldiers from the 2014 war.
- Hostages released in exchanges: 147 (including 8 dead).
- Hostages still in captivity: 59 (Israel has declared 32 of them dead).
- Bodies recovered by Israeli troops: 41.
- Hostages rescued alive: 8.
Among the 59 still in captivity:
- 13 are soldiers, of whom Israel has declared 9 to be dead.
- 5 are non-Israelis (3 Thai, 1 Nepalese, 1 Tanzanian); of these, a Thai and a Nepalese hostage are believed to be alive.
Uncertainty Over Next Phase of Ceasefire
With the first phase concluded, Israel and Hamas are expected to negotiate the terms of a possible second phase of the ceasefire. However, the risk of renewed conflict remains high, particularly with dozens of hostages still unaccounted for.
Hamas-led militants abducted 251 individuals and killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the October 7 attack. In response, Israel launched a military offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in more than 48,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The casualty figures include both civilians and combatants, but no official distinction has been made.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the fate of the remaining hostages and the future of the ceasefire remain crucial points of contention.
