Hamas releases two Israeli hostages to Red Cross in Gaza Strip

Hamas has handed over two Israeli hostages, Tal Shoham and Averu Mengistu, to the Red Cross. They are now in the custody of the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip. This exchange is part of a ceasefire deal. Israel is set to release 600 Palestinian prisoners in return. This marks the end of the first phase of the hostage-prisoner exchange. The ceasefire began on January 19 and is scheduled to expire in early March. Recently, Hamas also returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including Shiri Bibas, whose family confirmed her death. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with 1,215 deaths in Israel and over 48,000 in Gaza since October 7.