Hamas releases five Israeli hostages in latest exchange during fragile ceasefire

Hamas has released five of six Israeli hostages as part of a fragile ceasefire. The hostages include three men abducted during the October 7, 2023, attacks and two others held for nearly a decade. The sixth hostage is expected to be freed later. Tensions rose after Hamas mistakenly returned the wrong body of an Israeli mother, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to vow a response. Negotiations for a second phase of the ceasefire, involving more hostages and a lasting agreement, are ongoing. Israel plans to release 620 Palestinian prisoners in exchange. Hamas has stated it will not release remaining hostages without a lasting ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and destruction in Gaza.