Hamas releases six Israeli hostages ahead of Palestinian prisoner exchange

Hamas has released six Israeli hostages in exchange for 602 Palestinian prisoners, set to be freed later today. This includes four hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attack and two others held for years. The released hostages are the last alive from the initial phase of a ceasefire deal. The bodies of four more hostages are expected to be returned to Israel next week. There are still 59 hostages held by Hamas, with around half believed to be alive. A second phase of the ceasefire is scheduled to begin on March 1.