Hamas releases first two Israeli hostages in ongoing exchange deal

Hamas has released the first two of six Israeli hostages as part of a prisoner exchange. Tal Shoham and Avera Mengistu were handed over in Rafah and confirmed safe by the Israeli military. This release comes amid rising tensions over a recent body identification dispute. The ongoing ceasefire, which has paused 15 months of conflict, is nearing the end of its first phase. Negotiations for a second phase, involving more hostages and a lasting ceasefire, are expected to be challenging. The six hostages released Saturday are the last living ones under this phase. In exchange for the hostages, over 600 Palestinian prisoners will be freed. This includes individuals serving life sentences and those captured during the conflict. Hamas has indicated it will not release remaining captives without a lasting ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal.