Background on Key Figures and Context
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, announced that his country has received the body of another hostage held by Hamas in Gaza as part of a ceasefire agreement between the two parties. This development comes after two years of conflict, initiated by Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the abduction of over 250 people.
Ceasefire Agreement Details
The truce, effective since October 10, stipulates that Hamas will release the remaining 20 living hostages in exchange for hundreds of prisoners. Furthermore, Hamas has started returning the bodies of deceased hostages.
- Key Actions:
- Hamas releases the last 20 living hostages to Israel.
- Israel receives hundreds of prisoners in return for the hostages.
- Hamas begins returning the bodies of deceased hostages.
Hostage Body Return Progress
Under the agreement, Hamas has handed over 21 out of 28 hostage bodies to Israel, with the most recent delivery occurring on Wednesday night. The Red Cross transferred the coffin to the Israeli military and the Shin Bet (Israel’s internal security service) for a military reception before identification by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine.
Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of delaying the return process, while Hamas claims that this slowdown is due to many bodies being buried under the rubble in Gaza.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Benjamin Netanyahu?
- What is the context of this event?
- What is the ceasefire agreement?
- How many hostage bodies have been returned by Hamas?
- Why is there a delay in returning the hostage bodies?
Benjamin Netanyahu is the Prime Minister of Israel, who announced the receipt of another hostage body from Hamas as part of the ceasefire agreement.
This situation arises from a two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began with Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023, leading to the abduction of more than 250 people.
The ceasefire, effective since October 10, requires Hamas to release the remaining living hostages in exchange for hundreds of prisoners. Additionally, Hamas has started returning the bodies of deceased hostages.
Out of 28 hostage bodies, Hamas has returned 21, with the most recent delivery being the one on Wednesday night.
Israel claims Hamas is deliberately delaying the process, while Hamas asserts that many bodies are buried under rubble in Gaza due to the extensive damage from the conflict.
