Hamas hands over bodies of 4 Israeli hostages in exchange for release of hundreds of prisoners

The Palestinian militant group Hamas has handed over the bodies of four Israeli hostages, to the Red Cross early on Thursday, just days before the first phase of the truce comes to an end.

In return, Israel has also begun to release Palestinian prisoners from Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank.

Israel has agreed to release 602 Palestinian prisoners, a move that was initially planned for last weekend, but later postponed.

Under the truce agreement that began on February 19th, Hamas released six hostages on this past Saturday.

However, Israel delayed the prisoner release due to what it described as the mistreatment and humiliation of the freed hostages during the handover process.

Through mediators, both sides have now agreed to proceed with the remaining prisoner and hostage exchanges.

According to the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the upcoming transfer will take place without any special ceremonies.