Hamas proposes one-time release of phase two hostages as talks set to begin
Hamas confirms four bodies of slain hostages to be released Thursday • Bibas family: 'Aware of reports, confirmation not yet received'
Israel prepares to receive most likely four bodies of hostages on Thursday
Hamas will hand over the names of the hostages who were killed in captivity in the morning on Thursday.
Israel expects to receive the bodies of four hostages on Thursday, people familiar with the matter told The Jerusalem Post on Monday.
Hamas intends to announce the names of the victims on Thursday morning, and their bodies will be taken to the L. Greenberg Institute of Forensic Medicine at Abu Kabir in Tel Aviv, where tests will be conducted to verify their identities, the sources said.
In return, Israel will release all female Palestinian prisoners and anyone under the age of 19 who were arrested during the October 7 massacre and the days that followed. Israel will also allow mobile homes to enter the Gaza Strip.
The news about the caravans is surprising because last week, the defense establishment and the Prime Minister’s Office denied reports by Hamas that caravans would be brought into the enclave for Gazans whose homes were destroyed by Israeli airstrikes.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also issued a statement denying the video.
“Contrary to reports in Arab media, there are no caravans about to enter the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing,” Netanyahu’s spokesperson Omer Dostri wrote.
Go to the full article >>More than three hostages believed to be released Saturday, 'Post' learns
There are reportedly attempts on Israel's part to bring forward the release of six living hostages to the Saturday exchange.
More than the three previously agreed to hostages are believed to be released on Saturday, Israeli officials told The Jerusalem Post on Monday.
Hamas is still holding six living hostages who are supposed to be released in the first phase. Israeli officials are trying to extend phase one to include more hostages.
On Monday, the security cabinet met to discuss phase two of the deal. Only then will a decision be made on whether an Israeli delegation will meet with Qatari and Egyptian officials to discuss phase two.
The Post also discovered on Monday that four bodies of Israeli hostages will be released on Thursday.
Experts grow concerned about Gaza hostages as conditions are revealed
The severe starvation images and reports from returning hostages about the horrific conditions of Hamas captivity have experts worried about heart muscle damage that could lead to cardiac arrest.
Health professionals have become increasingly concerned that hostages held captive by Hamas may suffer sudden cardiac arrest, as testimony from returned hostages revealed extreme conditions such as prolonged starvation, extreme malnutrition, lack of movement, and constant fear.
The heart is a muscle that requires a continuous energy supply to function. During prolonged starvation, the body enters a state of protein tissue breakdown for energy, causing heart muscle depletion and weakened function. When the calorie and protein supply remains low over time, starvation-dependent cardiomyopathy develops, leading to severe cardiac dysfunction and heart failure.
The heart relies on a delicate balance of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus to maintain normal electrical activity. When the body suffers from a deficiency in these essential electrolytes, it can even lead to ventricular fibrillation, a severe rhythm disorder causing immediate sudden cardiac arrest.
Potassium deficiency, for example, causes the heart rate to slow down and disrupt its electrical activity. Magnesium deficiency increases the risk of "Torsades de pointes" rhythm disturbances, which can lead to cardiac arrest. Severe phosphorus deficiency, typical in extreme starvation conditions, also causes heart failure. Calcium is essential for muscle contraction and cardiac electrical conduction, and its deficiency leads to heart failure.
Vitamin deficiencies also increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. For instance, vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency, which is given to hostages immediately upon return, causes wet beriberi syndrome, characterized by heart failure, ventricular enlargement, and dangerous fluid accumulation.
Former Hamas hostage Emily Damari returns to Western Wall
After 471 days in captivity, Emily Damari revisits the sacred site that gave her hope through a stolen radio moment on Yom Kippur.
Former Gaza hostage Emily Damari visited the Western Wall 500 days after she was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
"In the darkness and isolation, I had one moment of light,” Emily said.
“On the eve of Yom Kippur, I managed to listen to the radio. I was moved to hear the Selichot prayers broadcast from the Western Wall plaza and the prayers they offered for us. It gave me strength. It gave me hope."
Emily, who was released nearly one month ago after 471 days in captivity, recited the 'Birkat HaGomel' blessing and Psalm 100 ("A Psalm of Thanksgiving") to express her gratitude.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation presented Emily with a necklace featuring a Western Wall pendant to symbolize the “unbreakable connection between the Jewish people, the Wall, and faith.”
Go to the full article >>Israel at war: What you need to know
- Hamas launched a massive attack on October 7, with thousands of terrorists infiltrating from the Gaza border and taking some 240 hostages into Gaza.
- Over 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals were murdered, including over 350 at the Re'im music festival and hundreds of Israeli civilians across Gaza border communities.
- 73 hostages remain in Gaza.
- 49 hostages in total have been killed in captivity, IDF says.
- The IDF launched a ground invasion of Lebanon on September 30.
- The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire came into effect on November 27 at 4:00 a.m.
- Netanyahu confirmed the first phase of the Israel-Hamas Ceasefire on January 17, 2025
- 735 terrorists will be released as part of the hostage deal