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

This is The World Now, bringing you the latest stories around the globe.

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.

At least 18 people have been killed and 23 others injured after a double-decker tour bus overturned in eastern Thailand. The crash occurred early Wednesday, local time after the bus lost control due to a brake failure and plunged down a slope.

A total of 49 adults were on board, traveling as part of an educational tour.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra extended her sympathies to the victims' families and stated that an investigation was underway.

Thailand's Ministry of Transport has also announced that it will work with police to investigate the incident and strengthen inspections to guarantee that all public transportation vehicles meet safety standards.

Turning to the United States.

Amid a growing measles outbreak, Texas has reported its first child fatality from the disease. This marks the first measles-related death in the U.S. in nearly a decade, with the last case occurring in Washington state in 2015.

According to the Texas Department of Health on Tuesday, the number of reported measles cases in West Texas has risen to 124 an increase of more than 30 cases since late last week. The highest infection rates have been observed among children aged 5 to 17.

So far, a total of 18 people have been hospitalized due to the outbreak, and all of them were unvaccinated.

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in Gossip Girl and other hit TV dramas, has died at the age of 39.

She was found dead in her New York apartment on Wednesday morning, local time. The exact cause of death remains under investigation. According to police, no signs of foul play were detected, but Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have suffered complications.

Born in New York in 1985, Trachtenberg began her career as a child actress, and later gained widespread recognition for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl.

Yoon Se-young, Arirang News