Hamas is set to return the bodies of four Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, just days before the ceasefire between the two parties was set to expire. Israel had delayed the release of prisoners to protest the treatment of hostages during previous exchanges. Hamas called this delay a violation of the ceasefire and said talks on the second phase of the agreement would not be possible until the prisoners were freed.
The exchange, which will take place without a public ceremony, is expected to be completed by Thursday. This deal would fulfill both sides’ obligations under the first phase of the ceasefire, allowing for the return of additional hostages and potentially setting the stage for negotiations on ending the conflict.
The ceasefire, brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, ended 15 months of heavy fighting that resulted from Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel. The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement in Gaza, with ongoing humanitarian concerns including infant deaths from hypothermia. The situation remains fragile as efforts to maintain peace continue.
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