Hamas Hands Over Coffins of Four Hostages as Israel Frees Hundreds of Palestinians, Trump Fumes

Hamas handed over the coffins of four Israeli hostages on 27 February, followed by the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners to the West Bank and Gaza. Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office confirmed receiving the bodies of “four fallen hostages” at the Kerem Shalom Crossing with “Egyptian mediation”. The remains, believed to be those of Itzik Elgarat, Tsahi Idan, Shlomo Mantzur and another captive, were sent for identification in Israel. Meanwhile, Hamas declared that Israel had “no choice but to start negotiations” on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire, stating, “We imposed the synchronization of the process of handing over the bodies of the enemy prisoners with the release of our heroic prisoners.” The ceasefire, which began on 19 January, is set to end on 1 March. US President Donald Trump condemned Hamas, expressing disappointment over the return of four bodies. “These are young people. Young people don’t die, okay? Young people don’t die,” he said. The US Secretary of State demanded that Hamas “must return all 59 hostages – including Edan and the remaining 4 Americans – NOW!” n18oc_world n18oc_crux