Hamas informed negotiators on Monday that not all 33 hostages set to be released in the first phase of a possible ceasefire deal with Israel are still alive and that the remains of those killed would be among the first releases belong, according to Hamas. two people familiar with the conversations.
The revelation came as part of Hamas's counter-offer to Israel's latest proposal, which provides for the first phase of a six-week ceasefire in exchange for the return of some of the hostages taken during the 7 terrorist attacks. October had been captured. It was not clear whether Hamas revealed how many of the 33 are still alive and how many are dead.
The first group of hostages to be released in the initial phase of the proposed deal would include women, elderly men and the sick and injured, who are among more than 100 believed to still be held captive. The Israelis initially wanted 40 people to be released in the first phase, but realized that Hamas did not have that many who met the criteria. Israeli and American officials have long believed that some hostages may be dead.
News that the first group of hostages to be released includes the remains of some taken seven months ago is sure to upset families who are pressing the Israeli government to do more to free their loved ones. The fate of the hostages has become a major issue for the Israeli public as thousands of protesters have taken to the streets to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to make a deal. Protesters blocked major roads in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv late on Monday after Hamas' counter-offer.
Israeli officials said Hamas's counter-offer was not acceptable, but they agreed to continue negotiations. Officials from several countries serving as intermediaries will meet again this week in Cairo to discuss the counter-offer and see if further progress can be made. Israel has agreed to send a delegation to assess the proposal and consider further concessions.