Watan-The official Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported on Monday that Israel is preparing to receive the bodies of five of its prisoners from Gaza next Thursday, “after intervention from mediators.”
The report added that the Israeli military has already begun preparations to receive the bodies.
The Hamas movement is scheduled to release the names of the deceased prisoners whose bodies will be returned on Thursday morning, according to the same source.
The report noted that Israeli military ambulances will wait at an agreed-upon meeting point, after which the bodies will be transferred directly to Israel’s Forensic Institute for accurate identification.
Israel Prepares for Prisoner Swap and Body Returns
Israeli officials involved in the expected release of the bodies said, “Once the identities of the captives are confirmed and the official identification process is completed, the relevant authorities in Israel will provide a final update to their families.”
Meanwhile, the seventh batch of prisoner exchanges between Tel Aviv and Hamas is expected to take place next Saturday, with the release of three living Israeli prisoners in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners. The identities of those involved have not yet been disclosed.
In this context, Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported on Monday evening that “Israel is demanding the release of six living captives from Gaza next Saturday, instead of three as per the agreement.”
It continued, “In return, Israel has expressed its readiness to send hundreds of additional caravans (mobile homes) into Gaza.”
Israel Ready to Send Caravans to Gaza Amid Prisoner Swap Progress
Israel still refuses to adhere to the humanitarian protocol of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which stipulates the entry of heavy machinery to remove rubble, clear destroyed buildings, and provide mobile homes for the displaced.
On the other hand, Israel Hayom newspaper reported, “Sources familiar with the details of the deal estimate that more than three living captives will be released on Saturday.”
As of 17:50 (UTC), there has been no comment from Hamas or mediators from Egypt and Qatar regarding the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation’s report.
During the last six batches, Hamas released 19 Israeli prisoners and five Thai nationals.
An additional 14 prisoners are expected to be released over the next two weeks as part of the first phase of the agreement, which includes 33 Israeli prisoners.
The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement began on January 19, 2025, and is divided into three phases, each lasting 42 days. Negotiations for the next phase are required before completing the current one, with mediation by Egypt and Qatar and U.S. support.
With U.S. backing, Israel committed genocide in Gaza between October 7, 2023, and January 19, 2025, leaving nearly 160,000 Palestinian victims—dead or injured, the majority of whom were women and children—along with more than 14,000 missing.
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