Hamas Hands Over Four Israeli Hostage Bodies in Exchange for Palestinian Prisoners

According to BBC, In the Ceasefire Agreement, Hamas has handed over what it claims are the bodies of four Israeli hostages from Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Israel is now testing the DNA to confirm the identities of the remains, believed to be Shlomo Mansour (86), Ohad Yahalomi (50), Tsachi Idan (50), and Itzik Elgarat (69), all taken hostage during the October 7, 2023, attacks.

In return, Israel has begun releasing over 600 Palestinian prisoners, with many being welcomed by crowds in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. This marks the final exchange in the first phase of the ceasefire deal, set to end on Saturday.

Unlike previous exchanges, Hamas handed over the bodies privately, following Israeli demands to avoid public ceremonies. Israel had previously delayed the release of prisoners, accusing Hamas of mistreating hostages during past handovers.

Among the Palestinian prisoners released are more than 400 Gazans captured during the war and 50 individuals serving life sentences in Israeli prisons.

This exchange comes after days of deadlock, resolved by mediators on Tuesday. It remains uncertain whether the truce will continue or move to the next phase, which could involve the release of all remaining living hostages in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners.

Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis attended the funeral procession of three hostages Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, who were killed in captivity. The family was buried together in southern Israel.

The war, which began after the October 7 attacks, has resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages taken. According to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, more than 48,000 people have been killed in the conflict.