In a major exchange, Hamas handed over the bodies of four Israeli hostages early Thursday. At the same time, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners were released to the West Bank and Gaza, marking a critical moment in the ongoing ceasefire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the hostages’ bodies were received, with identification processes underway. Meanwhile, over 600 Palestinian prisoners were freed, with reports that nearly 100 were deported to Egypt.
The exchange had been delayed after Israel objected to Hamas’ elaborate handover ceremonies for hostages. But now, with the swap complete, talks for a second phase of negotiations are expected to begin.
Hamas stated that Israel “has no choice but to negotiate” for further exchanges, while US and Middle Eastern officials confirmed new ceasefire discussions are planned in Doha or Cairo.
The ceasefire, which started on January 19, has seen 25 hostages freed in exchange for over 1,100 Palestinian prisoners, but tensions remain high. Israeli airstrikes hit targets inside Gaza after a failed projectile launch, and emotional funerals for Israeli victims continue.
With both sides watching closely, the next round of negotiations could determine the fate of more hostages and prisoners, as well as the future of the fragile ceasefire.
