Hamas releases six Israeli hostages as part of ceasefire agreement

Hamas has released six Israeli hostages, the last living ones from the first phase of a ceasefire. In exchange, 602 Palestinian prisoners will be freed later today. The hostages included four kidnapped during the October 7, 2023 attack. The released hostages were handed over to the Red Cross before being transferred to Israeli authorities. Families celebrated their return, while calls for the release of remaining hostages continue. The next phase of the ceasefire is set to begin on March 1, with more hostages expected to be freed. Currently, 59 hostages remain in Hamas custody, with around half believed to be alive.