Udaipur, February 28, 2025 - Israel and Hamas have resolved a delay in the release of Palestinian prisoners and Israeli hostage remains. Hamas returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages, while Israel released over 600 Palestinian prisoners. The first phase of the ceasefire deal is ending on Saturday, March 1,2025. Talks are ongoing in Egypt between Israel, Hamas, Qatar, and the U.S. to discuss the second phase, which includes the return of all remaining hostages and a possible Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Hostage Remains Returned

Hamas handed over the bodies of Tsachi Idan, Itzhak Elgarat, Ohad Yahalomi, and Shlomo Mantzur to Israel. The exchange was done quietly, without a public ceremony. Thousands attended the funeral of baby Kfir Bibas, his brother Ariel, and their mother Shiri in Israel. Many carried Israeli flags and orange balloons to honor the red-haired boys.

Israel Won’t Withdraw from Gaza Border Corridor

Israel refuses to leave the Philadelphi corridor, a border area between Gaza and Egypt. Hamas says this would violate the ceasefire agreement. An Israeli drone attacked a town in southern Lebanon amid ongoing regional tensions. Israeli opposition leader Benny Gantz accused PM Netanyahu of delaying the ceasefire for political reasons. Iran is angry over Israel’s warning that it might use military force against Iran’s nuclear program.

Israel’s army chief took responsibility for failing to prevent Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. A report says Israel underestimated Hamas. Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich will meet with a top U.S. official next week. The U.S. had previously avoided him.

U.S. President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated video of "Trump Gaza," depicting Gaza as a futuristic resort-style paradise. The clip was widely criticised as bizarre.

Source: Media Reports