By Twink Jones Gadama
In a development that has sparked both hope and skepticism, Hamas has reportedly approved a list of Israeli hostages to be released in a potential deal. However, the Israeli government has denied receiving any confirmation from Hamas regarding the status of the hostages. According to various news outlets, Hamas transmitted a list of 34 names of Israeli hostages to be released in the first stage of an agreement with Israel. The list, which was published on the Saudi website Al-Sharq, includes the names of 10 women, 11 older male hostages, and several young children.
A representative from Hamas told Reuters that the terror group had approved the list of names, but would only agree to the release of hostages if Israel agreed to a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of forces from the Gaza Strip. However, the Israeli government has denied receiving any list from Hamas, and has emphasized that the list was originally given by Israel to mediators in July 2024.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) released a statement on Sunday evening, stating that “Contrary to what was claimed, Hamas has yet to provide a list of hostages.” The PMO released another statement on Monday, explaining that “The list of hostages that has been published in the media was not provided to Israel by Hamas but was originally given by Israel to the mediators in July 2024.” The statement added that “As yet, Israel has not received any confirmation or comment by Hamas regarding the status of the hostages appearing on the list. Israel will continue to act relentlessly for the return of all of our hostages.”
The reports come just days after Hamas released a propaganda video of hostage Liri Albag, in which she urged the Israeli government to make a deal. The video was seen as a attempt by Hamas to increase pressure on Israel to agree to a deal. The list of potential names published on Al-Sharq includes three of the four kidnapped members of the Bibas family, Shiri and her two young children Ariel and Kfir Bibas. However, Hamas previously claimed that they had been killed during an Israeli airstrike on November 30, 2023.
Shiri’s husband, Yarden Bibas, also remains in Hamas captivity in Gaza. His status is also unknown, though he is presumed to be alive. Former hostage Nili Margalit, who was released in November 2023, said she was present with Yarden when Hamas terrorists told him that his family had been killed. The list provided by Al-Sharq also included Albag’s name, as well as four other female soldiers taken captive with her during the Hamas invasion and terror attack on October 7, 2023.
A Hamas official who spoke with Al-Sharq appeared to confirm that Shiri Bibas and the two boys had been killed, claiming that the terror group offered to release them in the first hostage exchange at the end of November 2023, but that Israel refused. The official also said that Hamas later offered to release their bodies during an exchange in previous negotiation attempts but that Israel again refused. However, the Israeli government has denied these claims, and has pointed out that Hamas violated the terms of the previous hostage release agreement.
The development has sparked a mix of emotions in Israel, with many families of the hostages expressing hope that their loved ones may soon be released. However, others have expressed skepticism, citing Hamas’s history of broken promises and deception. The Israeli government has emphasized that it will continue to act relentlessly to secure the release of all hostages, and has called on Hamas to provide proof of life and to negotiate in good faith.
The situation remains complex and delicate, with many variables at play. However, one thing is clear: the fate of the Israeli hostages remains a top priority for the Israeli government, and all efforts will be made to secure their safe release. The international community will be watching the developments closely, and will be urging all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution. As the situation continues to unfold, one can only hope that a positive outcome will be achieved, and that the hostages will soon be reunited with their families.
