Hamas releases two Israeli hostages in exchange deal in Gaza

Hamas has released two Israeli hostages, Tal Shoham and Avera Mengistu, in a deal that includes the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. This marks the first step in a planned exchange amid ongoing tensions and uncertainty about the ceasefire. The hostages were handed over in Rafah, Gaza, and confirmed to be in Israel shortly after. The release follows a dispute over the identity of a body previously returned by Hamas, which raised doubts about the ceasefire's stability. The current exchange involves six hostages, with more than 600 Palestinians set to be freed. Hamas has indicated it will retain around 60 hostages, pending a lasting ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal.