Hamas has returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners, concluding the final phase of the ongoing truce in Gaza, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The ceasefire, in effect since January 19, has remained intact despite challenges, but uncertainty surrounds its future. Hamas has stated that any further hostage releases will depend on Israel’s commitment to maintaining the truce.
Read more: Hamas to Release Six More Hostages After Return of Shiri Bibas’ Body
Israeli authorities confirmed receiving the remains of Tsachi Idan, Itzhak Elgarat, Ohad Yahalomi, and Shlomo Mantzur, all of whom were taken from their kibbutz homes near Gaza on October 7, 2023. The bodies are undergoing forensic examinations before families are officially informed.
A delay in the exchange occurred when Hamas initially handed over the remains of an unidentified Palestinian woman instead of hostage Shiri Bibas. The error was corrected the following day, and the woman’s body was returned to a hospital in Gaza.
The transfer, mediated by Egyptian officials, was completed discreetly, avoiding public ceremonies that had previously drawn international criticism. The United Nations had earlier condemned Hamas for conducting hostage handovers in front of crowds.
As the first phase of the ceasefire concludes, both sides remain deadlocked on the next steps in the conflict.
