Gaza ceasefire deal reached; prisoner release contingent on hostages

Mediators have resolved a deadlock in the Gaza ceasefire deal. The release of 600 Palestinian prisoners will proceed when Hamas returns the bodies of four Israeli hostages. This agreement follows tensions over the treatment of hostages. Hamas confirmed that the bodies will be handed over at the Kerem Shalom crossing, with no ceremonies planned. The Israeli government has not yet confirmed the details, but families of the hostages have been notified. The ceasefire deal's first phase is nearing completion, with 25 living hostages and four deceased already released. The next phase aims to secure the release of remaining hostages and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.