Hamas says that it will return the bodies of four dead hostages on Thursday in exchange for Israel’s release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, two days before the first phase of the ceasefire between the warring parties is set to expire
Hamas has agreed to hand over the bodies of four Israeli hostages on Thursday in exchange for Israel releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, two days before the first phase of the ceasefire ends. Israel had delayed the release of 600 prisoners to protest Hamas's treatment of hostages during their release. Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif al-Qanou confirmed the plan, while an Israeli official acknowledged the expected transfer. The exchange completes both sides' obligations under the first phase of the ceasefire, allowing negotiations to move to the next phase, which includes releasing all remaining hostages and discussing the war's end. The ceasefire, brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, ended 15 months of conflict.
