Hamas Completes First Phase of Hostage Exchange with Israel

Four deceased Israeli hostages were returned as part of a ceasefire agreement, while over 600 Palestinian prisoners were released by Israel.

The Hamas militant group handed over the remains of four Israeli hostages, fulfilling its obligations for the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
In return, Israel released more than 600 Palestinian prisoners, including individuals serving life sentences for deadly attacks.
The first phase of the ceasefire, which began on January 19, is set to conclude this weekend, with 59 hostages still held in Gaza, only 27 of whom are believed to be alive.
Hamas has stated that further hostage releases depend on Israel adhering to the ceasefire terms and engaging in talks for a second phase of the agreement.
Discussions for the next phase remain uncertain, with Israel's partial military withdrawal from Gaza and Hamas's future role in governance as key points of contention.