Daijiworld Media Network – Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv, Feb 26: In a breakthrough development, Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement for a simultaneous exchange, where the bodies of four Israeli hostages will be returned in exchange for the release of 602 Palestinian security prisoners, The Times of Israel reported.
The agreement resolves a critical deadlock that threatened to derail the multi-phase ceasefire deal before its first stage could be fully implemented.
Hamas, in an official statement cited by The Times of Israel, confirmed, “An agreement was reached to resolve the issue of the delayed release of Palestinian prisoners who were supposed to be freed in the last batch.”
The militant group further stated, “They will be released simultaneously with the bodies of the Israeli prisoners agreed upon for transfer during the first phase, along with an equivalent number of Palestinian women and children.”
According to Israeli officials, the exchange is scheduled to take place via Egypt on Wednesday, though some reports indicate a potential delay until Thursday.
Israel had initially withheld the release of Palestinian prisoners, citing Hamas' violations of the agreement. Concerns included the return of the remains of three members of the Bibas family and Hamas’ staging of propaganda-filled ceremonies during previous hostage releases.
A senior Israeli official emphasized that Hamas now stands at a critical juncture: either proceed with hostage releases and extend the ceasefire or risk its collapse, which would reignite full-scale hostilities.
“This round of conflict would not resemble past engagements under the Biden administration,” the official noted. “This time, we have a new defense minister, a new chief of staff, full access to weaponry, and complete legitimacy from the Trump administration.”
The first phase of the ceasefire agreement is set to conclude on Saturday.
In a parallel diplomatic push, The Times of Israel reported that US special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Israel in the coming days. Witkoff stated that the upcoming negotiations will focus on advancing the next phase of the agreement and securing additional hostage releases.
“Our aim is to put phase two on track and ensure further hostage exchanges—we believe that is a real possibility,” Witkoff said. He also hinted at his potential involvement in negotiations scheduled for Sunday, provided talks progress favorably.