Hamas's Offer to Hand Over 33 Hostages Includes Some Who Are Dead
Source: NY Times
Hamas informed negotiators on Monday that not all of the 33 hostages who would be freed in the first phase of a possible cease-fire deal with Israel are still living and that the remains of those who have died would be among the initial releases, according to two people familiar with the talks.
The disclosure came as part of Hamas’s counteroffer to Israel’s latest proposal, which envisions a first-phase, six-week cease-fire in exchange for the return of some of the hostages taken during the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks. 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 meant to be freed in the initial phase of the proposed agreement is supposed to include women, older men and the sick and wounded who are among the more than 100 believed still to be held captive. The Israelis initially wanted 40 to be released in the first phase but came to understand that Hamas did not hold that many who fit the criteria. Israeli and American officials have long assumed that some of the hostages may be dead.
The news that the first group of hostages to be released would include the remains of some taken seven months ago will surely upset families who have been pressing the Israeli government to do more to free their loved ones. The fate of the hostages has become a major issue with the Israeli public as thousands of demonstrators have poured into the streets to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to make a deal. Protesters blocked major roads in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv late Monday after Hamas’s counteroffer.
Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/07/us/politics/israel-hamas-hostages-dead.html
Well that's novel
= new reply since forum marked as read
Shiri Bibis and her two son's were part of the last deal and suddenly Hamas stopped delivering hostages. Hamas stated, "We can provide hostage bodies". Israel told Hamas that they had broken the deal and Israel did not release more prisoners. The next morning, Hamas started firing on Israel again.
I'm sure the pro-Hamas protestors that chant "From the river to the sea" will blame Israel for their deaths, or will celebrate their deaths, and the sympathizers of these pro-Hamas protestors will give cover.
Remember, Israel is the most evil place in the world.
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