Israel confirms Hamas delivered hostages' bodies as Palestinian prisoners released

Israel has confirmed the identities of four bodies handed over by Hamas in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

The announcement came on Thursday following forensic examinations.

With this handover, the delayed release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners and detainees was also made possible.

This was the final exchange of the six-week-long first stage of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Meanwhile, according to the Egyptian government, negotiations between Israel and Hamas for the second phase of the ceasefire began on Thursday in Cairo.

The talks aim to prevent a collapse of the agreement as the first phase concludes this weekend.

Key objectives of the negotiations include ending the war, securing the release of all remaining Israeli hostages, and ensuring the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.