Hamas to release six Israeli hostages and return four bodies in accelerated exchange

Hamas announced it will release six living Israeli hostages on Saturday and return four bodies on Thursday, speeding up the process in exchange for Israel allowing mobile homes and construction equipment into Gaza. This release includes the last living hostages from the first phase of a ceasefire deal. The bodies returned will include members of the Bibas family, who have become symbols of the hostage crisis. Israel is expected to continue releasing Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages. The ceasefire, which began in mid-January, has paused fighting amid ongoing negotiations for a more comprehensive agreement.