Hamas returns bodies of four Israeli hostages including mother and children

Hamas has returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including a mother and her two children, who were abducted during the October 7, 2023 attack. The remains are believed to be Shiri Bibas, her children Ariel and Kfir, and 83-year-old Oded Lifshitz. The Israeli military confirmed the handover, and DNA tests will be conducted to identify the remains. Hamas claims the hostages were killed in Israeli airstrikes, while thousands gathered at the handover site in Gaza. This development comes amid ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire, with Hamas expected to release six living hostages on Saturday. The first phase of the ceasefire is set to conclude in early March, with plans for further body returns next week.