Hamas to release six Israeli hostages and four bodies this week

Hamas announced it will release six living Israeli hostages on Saturday and the bodies of four others on Thursday, including the Bibas family. This marks the first release of bodies under the current ceasefire. The six hostages to be freed are the last living captives in the first phase of the ceasefire. An Israeli official noted that Prime Minister Netanyahu agreed to allow mobile homes and construction equipment into Gaza to facilitate the hostages' release. The ceasefire, which began in mid-January, has paused intense fighting and allowed aid into Gaza. Negotiations for a second phase, involving more hostages and a lasting ceasefire, are still pending.