Families Demand Justice as Only Four Bodies Returned from Gaza

The families of deceased Israeli hostages are expressing profound anger after only four bodies were returned from Gaza on October 14, 2023. While Hamas released 20 living hostages as part of a ceasefire agreement, the fate of 24 dead captives remains uncertain, causing anguish among their families. The agreement, mediated by former US President Donald Trump, stipulated the return of all remaining hostages by midday on the same day. Despite this, Hamas indicated difficulties in locating some of the bodies.

The bodies of Guy Illouz, Yossi Sharabi, Bipin Joshi, and Daniel Perez were transported from Gaza by the Red Cross. Families of the deceased have voiced their frustration, particularly Yael Adar, the mother of slain hostage Tamir Adar. She accused the Israeli government of “betraying” families like hers, whose loved ones were killed while held captive and have not yet been returned.

Ms. Adar raised concerns about the negotiations prior to the hostage deal, questioning the leverage Israel possesses to recover the bodies of the 28 deceased hostages still held by Hamas. According to The Times of Israel, she stated, “They told me that a live hostage is worth 100 Palestinian prisoners, including life-termers. But a dead hostage is worth 15 Palestinian bodies. Why not 100 dead Palestinians?”

Israeli officials have reportedly set a deadline for Hamas to release the remaining bodies, with Defense Minister Israel Katz declaring on social media that any delay would be considered a serious violation of the agreement.

Negotiations and Public Reactions

The return of the hostages occurred as part of a broader peace initiative, which was discussed during a summit in Sharm El Sheikh. Leaders from the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey signed the ceasefire agreement after the release of the 20 hostages. Notably, Israeli and Hamas representatives were not present at the summit.

The hostages were freed throughout the day, with Israel agreeing to release over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners in exchange. Among these prisoners are 250 individuals serving life sentences for attacks against Israelis. The emotional reactions of families watching the transfers were palpable. In Tel Aviv, crowds erupted into cheers as news broke that the first group of hostages was in the care of the Red Cross. Footage released by Israeli authorities captured tearful reunions, including that of twins Gali and Ziv Berman, aged 28.

The peace plan laid out by President Trump includes provisions for Israel to maintain a military presence along its border with Gaza. An international force, primarily composed of troops from Arab and Muslim countries, is proposed to ensure security within the enclave. The Israeli military has announced it will continue defensive operations in the approximately 50% of Gaza it still controls, following the agreed-upon lines.

The ongoing situation regarding the deceased hostages presents a challenging obstacle for the peace process, raising questions about the effectiveness of the agreements made and the potential for further negotiations in the future.