Israeli authorities are making efforts to increase the number of hostages released under the current ceasefire agreement with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The agreement initially provided for the release of three hostages, but Israel insists on the return of six. At the same time, the bodies of four Israelis killed in captivity are expected to be handed over next Thursday.

According to information provided by Israeli officials, Hamas agreed to hand over the bodies of the four hostages on February 20. The names of the dead will be announced that morning, after which the remains will be flown to Israel for identification at the Abu Kabir Institute of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv. Only after the identities are confirmed will the information be passed on to the families of the dead.

The transfer of bodies is being carried out under an agreement reached between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Qatar and Egypt. The agreement, which went into effect on January 19, provides for the gradual release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of about 1900 Palestinian prisoners and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Hamas has so far released 19 Israelis and five Thais. Six more Israeli hostages are expected to be released on Saturday, February 22.

The hostage exchange process has been fraught with complications, however. Hamas accuses Israel of blocking the delivery of building materials needed to rebuild Gaza's shattered infrastructure, which they say is a violation of the ceasefire. Israel denies the accusations, claiming that a number of mobile homes are already at the border and ready to be handed over.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his intention to extend the first phase of the ceasefire, which expires on March 1, in order to secure the release of more hostages. But he has refused to discuss a second phase that would end hostilities altogether. If the two sides fail to reach an agreement by that date, there is a risk of renewed fighting.

The international community is closely monitoring the developments. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Israel to discuss the current status of the agreement and possible steps to implement it. The US continues to explore the idea of ​​forced resettlement of the Gaza Strip, which is causing additional discussions in the international arena.

Overall, the process of exchanging hostages and implementing the terms of the ceasefire remains complex and requires further negotiations and compromises between the parties to the conflict.