Hamas Transfers Bodies of Four Israeli Hostages to Red Cross

The exchange marks the conclusion of the first phase of a fragile ceasefire, with Israel set to release over 600 Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas handed over the remains of four Israeli hostages—Tsachi Idan, Ohad Yahalomi, Itzhak Elgarat, and Shlomo Mantzur—to the Red Cross at the Kerem Shalom crossing.
Israel delayed the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners earlier, citing objections to Hamas' public ceremonies during previous exchanges.
The bodies were transferred in a private exchange, avoiding the staged events that had drawn criticism from Israel and international observers.
This exchange completes the obligations of the first phase of the ceasefire, which included the release of 33 hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Negotiations for the second phase of the agreement, which could include the release of remaining hostages and further ceasefire extensions, have yet to begin.