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Hamas Is Stalling on the Release of Additional Deceased Hostages
(Israel Hayom) Danny Zaken - Hamas has yet to hand over the bodies of 16 deceased hostages. Israeli officials maintain that Hamas has access to at least eight more bodies and is intentionally delaying their release to allow Turkish experts, key Hamas allies, into Gaza. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Tuesday to discuss the details of the next phase of the U.S. plan, including the composition of the multinational force slated to enter Gaza, the transfer of governance from Hamas, and the disarmament process. One proposal being considered is to turn the Israeli-controlled area of Gaza into a pilot reconstruction model, where schools, clinics, public facilities, organized tent encampments and mobile housing, and essential infrastructure - sewage, water, electricity - would be built, funded by countries such as the UAE. The expectation is that many residents of Hamas-controlled areas will seek to move to this reconstructed zone. Development work is already underway in the quiet southern parts of Gaza. Additional families and clans from both the south and north have reportedly approached Israel and Emirati representatives, requesting similar efforts in their areas. The practical outcome of this is a de facto division of Gaza into two zones of control. An Arab diplomatic source said a significant disagreement exists over who will lead the reconstruction efforts. Egypt seeks to take the lead, partly due to the lucrative contracts involved. However, Gulf states - Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia - oppose this, each for its own reasons. The Saudis have made it clear that they will not engage until Hamas begins disarming.