Israel and Hamas have initiated indirect negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, officials confirmed on Tuesday. As part of the deal, the Palestinian militant group has agreed to return more hostages this week, including the bodies of two children.

Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas leader in Gaza, announced that the remains of four hostages, including members of the Bibas family, will be handed over on Thursday. On Saturday, six living hostages are expected to be released. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office acknowledged the agreement reached in Cairo but refrained from disclosing the names of those involved.

An Israeli official stated that the deceased hostages will be identified in Israel before any public announcement. The negotiations, initially planned to commence on February 4, were delayed, with Qatar, a key mediator alongside Egypt and the United States, confirming that official discussions will begin this week. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar affirmed this timeline during a press conference in Jerusalem.

Israel’s stance on further negotiations has been inconsistent in recent weeks. The current ceasefire, which took effect on January 19, aims to permanently halt hostilities. The Bibas family, particularly the fate of Kfir Bibas, who was abducted at less than a year old, and his four-year-old brother Ariel, has drawn significant attention. Their father, Yarden Bibas, was freed earlier this month, but their mother, Shiri, remains unaccounted for. Hamas claimed in late 2023 that Shiri and the children were killed in Israeli airstrikes, a claim Israel has neither confirmed nor denied.

The family expressed deep distress over Hamas’ announcement, stating they remain in a state of uncertainty until official confirmation is provided. The fourth deceased hostage's identity has not been disclosed, but the families of the six living hostages set for release on Saturday have been informed.

Among those to be freed are Eliyah Cohen, 27; Tal Shoham, 40; Omer Shem Tov, 22; and Omer Wenkert, 23, all of whom were captured on October 7. Additionally, Hisham Al-Sayed, 36, and Avera Mengistu, 39, who separately crossed into Gaza nearly a decade ago, will also be released.

The initial phase of the ceasefire agreement remains intact, ensuring a 42-day truce and the exchange of 33 Israeli hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, discussions regarding the second phase, which involves the fate of the remaining 64 hostages, are expected to be difficult. A major sticking point is the future governance of Gaza, with Israel firmly opposing any continued presence of Hamas or other armed groups.

Foreign Minister Saar indicated that if negotiations show promise, Israel is open to extending the ceasefire. Thus far, 19 hostages have been released, and if the upcoming transfers proceed as planned, only four hostages will remain unaccounted for, all believed to be deceased based on Hamas’ information.

The October 7 attack by Hamas resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in Israel, according to Israeli reports. In response, Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has caused over 48,000 fatalities, widespread destruction, and mass displacement, as per Palestinian health officials.

As part of relief measures, Israel will permit the entry of mobile homes into Gaza to provide shelter for displaced residents amid harsh winter conditions. Hamas had accused Israel of delaying these provisions and had threatened to postpone hostage releases over the issue.

Meanwhile, international controversy has arisen over former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians and redevelop Gaza under U.S. control. The plan has been widely rejected by Palestinian groups, Arab states, and Western allies, who view it as forced displacement. Israeli leaders, however, have expressed support for allowing Gazans to leave if they choose.

In a related move, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to establish a unit within his ministry dedicated to assisting Gaza residents who wish to relocate to third countries. The initiative signals a potential shift in Israel’s long-term approach to the region’s future.