Hamas to Hand Over 4 Israeli Bodies Tomorrow, Netanyahu Approves Phase Two Negotiations
Hamas to return 4 Israeli bodies as Netanyahu greenlights phase two talks.
Watan-On the 32nd day of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) announced that it will hand over the bodies of four Israeli captives on Thursday, February 20. Meanwhile, Israel’s public broadcaster reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to officially launch the second phase of the prisoner exchange deal next week, based on the principle of disarming Hamas.
Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya stated that six live captives will be released on Saturday, February 22, as part of the implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
This development comes amid reports that Tel Aviv is preparing to engage in negotiations for the second phase. According to Israel’s Channel 12, Israel and the United States will decide within 48 hours whether to send a delegation to Qatar to resume indirect talks with Hamas.
Escalation in the West Bank
On the ground, Israeli occupation forces carried out a series of raids across the West Bank, storming multiple homes and arresting several Palestinians, including a child. They also raided the home of Sheikh Ekrima Sabri in Jerusalem.
Sources told Al Jazeera early Wednesday that Israeli forces stormed the Dhinnaba neighborhood in Tulkarm and spread out across several areas.
