Hamas Transfers Bodies of Four Israeli Hostages in Final Ceasefire Exchange

Israel to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners as part of the agreement, with the ceasefire's first phase set to conclude this weekend.

Hamas has handed over the bodies of four Israeli hostages to the Red Cross, marking the final exchange in the first phase of the ceasefire agreement with Israel.
The exchange includes Israel's release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners, which had been delayed due to disputes over Hamas' public ceremonies during prior exchanges.
The bodies were transferred without public ceremonies, following international criticism and Israeli protests over previous staged events.
The current six-week ceasefire phase, brokered last month, is set to end on March 2, with no confirmation yet on whether it will be extended or a second phase negotiated.
Egyptian officials facilitated the handover at the southern border, ensuring simultaneous exchanges between the parties.