Hamas releases six hostages in Gaza as Israel prepares to free 602 Palestinians

Hamas released six hostages in Gaza on Saturday, part of a fragile ceasefire deal. In exchange, Israel will free 602 Palestinian prisoners, including 50 serving life sentences. The hostages were handed over to the Red Cross amid armed Hamas fighters. The six included long-term captives Tal Shoham and Avera Mengistu, who had been held for nearly a decade. The other four were taken during a mass abduction on October 7, 2023. Hamas expedited their release to ensure the deal's success. Hamas plans to return four more Israeli bodies next week, completing the first phase of the ceasefire agreement. Negotiations for a second phase, which aims for a permanent ceasefire and further hostage exchanges, have not yet begun. Over 60 hostages remain in Gaza.