Gaza Strip: As Israel celebrates the release of living hostages, families awaiting the return of deceased loved ones are preparing for what they describe as a “tougher phase” of the ongoing exchange. Rotem Cooper, stationed at the Re’im military base in southern Israel while awaiting the return of his father’s body from Gaza, expressed mixed emotions on Monday.
“There was a sense of big relief as we saw the first seven [living hostages] flying by,” Cooper said. “We really want to see the rest. Then we get to the much tougher phase of getting the ones who are no longer alive. It’s heartbreaking,” he added, reflecting the emotional toll on families who have endured years of uncertainty.
Meanwhile, the Gaza Strip is preparing for the arrival of Palestinian prisoners set to be released as part of the exchange. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, medical teams have completed preparations at Nasser Hospital to receive the prisoners and provide necessary care. Under the terms of the agreement, Israel will release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails, along with 1,700 detainees from Gaza, in return for the hostages.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that a second group of 13 living Israeli hostages has been handed over to the Red Cross and is now en route to IDF and Israeli Security Agency (ISA) personnel in the Gaza Strip. This second transfer marks another critical step in the phased operation designed to return captives safely while coordinating with international humanitarian partners.
As the exchanges continue, both Israeli and Palestinian authorities are navigating complex logistical and security arrangements, balancing the need for timely reunions with the sensitivities surrounding those who did not survive captivity. The process underscores the profound human dimension of the negotiations, highlighting both relief and enduring grief in communities directly affected by the conflict.