Israel’s Ynet News is reporting that Israeli authorities have told mediators they are ready to release the Palestinians who were supposed to be freed on Saturday if Hamas hands over the bodies of the captives it is slated to free later this week, “without a humiliating ceremony”, Al Jazeera reports.

The news outlet said Hamas in turn demanded that the 620 Palestinians, as well as more held in Israeli jails, be released at the same time as the four bodies are handed over.

Israel, however, says the release can only take place after the bodies are identified, Ynet News said.

“Hectic” negotiations for the handover continue to take place, the outlet reported, adding that Israel estimates that the talks may be successful soon.

Opinion

Editorial

Missing in action
17 Mar, 2026

Missing in action

NOT exactly known for playing a proactive role in protecting the interests of Muslim nations and populations...
Risk to stability
Updated 17 Mar, 2026

Risk to stability

THE risks to Pakistan’s fragile economic recovery from the US-Israel war on Iran cannot be dismissed. Yet the...
Enrolment push
17 Mar, 2026

Enrolment push

THE federal government has embarked upon the welcome initiative to enrol 25,000 out-of-school children in Islamabad...
Holding the line
16 Mar, 2026

Holding the line

PAKISTAN’S long battle against polio has recently produced encouraging signs. Data from the national eradication...
Power self-reliance
Updated 16 Mar, 2026

Power self-reliance

PAKISTAN’S transition to domestic sources of electricity is a welcome development for a country that has long been...
Looking for safety
16 Mar, 2026

Looking for safety

AS the Middle East conflict enters its third week, the war’s most enduring victims are not those who wage it....