Palestinian Resistance factions handed over the bodies of four Israeli captives in Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Younis, on Thursday as part of an exchange deal facilitated by the International Red Cross.

The transfer, which took place in the presence of hundreds of Resistance fighters from various Palestinian factions, marked the first phase of the day’s exchange agreement. A Red Cross delegate signed for the bodies upon their arrival at the designated handover platform in Bani Suhaila.

Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu withdrew from the ceremony that was meant to receive the captives’ bodies, though no official reason was provided.

Local sources confirmed that the commander of the Eastern Battalion of the al-Qassam Brigades in Khan Younis was also present at the ceremony, alongside fighters who had participated in the October 7 battles. This included members of the al-Zana ambush unit of al-Qassam Brigades, among them a fighter in a wheelchair who was injured during the conflict.

Resistance sources also stated that fighters from units involved in the Gaza envelope battles, including the Orim group, the 8200 site group, and the intervention site group, were among those attending the handover. In a symbolic display, a black car belonging to Hamas' Shadow Unit, allegedly captured during the "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation, was also present.

Israeli media outlets further noted that Hamas displayed Israeli weapons seized in battle during the handover process. A large banner set up at the site accused Netanyahu of being responsible for the captives’ deaths, reflecting Hamas’ claim that Israeli airstrikes deliberately targeted the detention sites where the captives were held.

The handover follows an earlier announcement by Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida, who stated that the bodies of the Bibas family and Israeli captive Oded Lifshitz would be released. He accused Israeli forces of having deliberately bombed their locations in Gaza before their deaths.

This latest exchange deal unfolds as tensions continue to escalate in the region, with ongoing bombardments, ceasefire negotiations, and increasing humanitarian concerns dominating the international diplomatic agenda. (ILKHA)