At the beginning of a cabinet meeting at the White House, the American president said, “When I see four bodies being returned today, I am very disappointed. Young people don’t just die. Hamas thinks they are doing us a favor by sending us bodies; we have received many hostages, but what has happened is truly horrific.”
Trump referred to the next stage of the deal, stating, “Bibi needs to make a decision. The first phase has ended, and now the second phase begins. Israel needs to decide what it wants.”
Among the fallen are Tzachi Idan, Itzik Elgart, and Shlomo Mansour.
Earlier today, the families of Tzachi Idan, Itzik Elgart, and Shlomo Mansour announced that their bodies will be returned as part of the agreement tonight. In exchange for the fallen, Israel will release 602 Palestinian prisoners whose release has been delayed since last Saturday.
Tzachi Idan’s family received with great sorrow the message from Hamas that Tzachi, their beloved, is not alive and that his body is expected to return to Israel during the night. However, the family requested to clarify that they are still awaiting official confirmation, which can only be received after his arrival in Israel and the necessary examinations by the relevant authorities. Family members emphasized the importance of respecting Tzachi’s and their relatives’ privacy during this difficult time. Shlomo Mansour’s family also announced that he is expected to be released tonight as part of the fallen hostages’ return. Dany Elgart, Itzik’s brother, told Guy Peleg earlier today that his brother Itzik is among the fallen who will be returned tonight.
