{"id":16174,"date":"2025-03-02T14:50:52","date_gmt":"2025-03-02T12:50:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/reganews.co.il\/en\/?p=16174"},"modified":"2025-03-02T14:50:52","modified_gmt":"2025-03-02T12:50:52","slug":"summary-of-phase-one-of-the-hostage-deal-as-ceasefire-ends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reganews.co.il\/en\/summary-of-phase-one-of-the-hostage-deal-as-ceasefire-ends\/","title":{"rendered":"Summary of Phase One of the Hostage Deal, as Ceasefire Ends"},"content":{"rendered":"

Israel has officially concluded the first phase of the current hostage deal, marking the end of a 42-day period. During this time, 25 living hostages were freed, alongside five Thai nationals, and the bodies of eight kidnapped victims murdered on October 7 or in captivity were returned.<\/p>\n

This marks a significant achievement, and efforts continue around the clock to secure the release of all hostages still held by Hamas and other terror organizations in Gaza.<\/p>\n

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Hostage Release | Photo: Yonatan Sindel\/Flash90<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Efforts to Extend Phase 1 of the Deal<\/strong>
\nAgainst the backdrop of the halt in humanitarian aid to Gaza starting this morning (Sunday), Arab media reports indicate that Israel demanded Hamas release five living hostages and ten deceased hostages in exchange for extending the first phase of the deal by another week.<\/p>\n

Hamas Rejection: “We Demand the Implementation of Phase 2”
\n<\/strong>The Qatari network Al Jazeera<\/em> reported that in the past 48 hours, intensive negotiations took place between Israel and mediators to advance further hostage releases. However, Hamas rejected the proposal, claiming it constituted a “violation” of the agreement.<\/p>\n

The current impasse raises questions about the continuation of the second phase of the hostage deal. Israel understands that ongoing political and humanitarian pressure could shift Hamas\u2019 position but is also preparing for the possibility of military escalation if necessary.<\/p>\n

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Trucks at the Kerem Shalom Crossing | Photo: Fadi Fahd\/Flash90<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Summary of Hostage Releases Since the War Began<\/strong>
\nFollowing the October 7 massacre, it took 20 days before the IDF launched its ground operation into Gaza. During that period, there was uncertainty in Israel regarding the number of murdered and kidnapped individuals, complicating initial negotiations and military planning for their rescue. Ultimately, the official number of hostages taken during the attack was confirmed to be 251 Israelis.<\/p>\n

To this count were later added fallen IDF soldiers Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin, as well as civilians Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayad, who had been taken captive in previous years.<\/p>\n

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Visiting the Family of Oron Shaul z\u201dl | Photo: Amos Ben Gershom\/GPO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The First Deal: “Military and Diplomatic Pressure”<\/strong>
\nThe first hostage release deal took place in late November 2023, resulting in the freedom of 80 hostages, including all abducted children under the age of eighteen (except for the Bibas children, later discovered to have been murdered shortly after their abduction<\/a>) and 24 foreign workers. In exchange, Israel agreed to a temporary ceasefire, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the release of Palestinian security prisoners\u2014mostly women, minors, and ill detainees, but none with blood on their hands.<\/p>\n

Watch the moment Emily Hand meets her father, and Hila Rotem her uncle upon their return:<\/p>\n