Hamas to release six living hostages and four bodies in Gaza deal

Hamas announced it will release six living Israeli hostages on Saturday and the bodies of four others on Thursday. This decision follows Israel's agreement to allow mobile homes and construction equipment into Gaza, aimed at facilitating the hostage releases. The six hostages are the last to be freed under the current ceasefire phase. Hamas has indicated that negotiations for a more complex second phase, involving the release of dozens more hostages, are still pending. The ceasefire, which began in mid-January, has paused intense fighting and allowed aid into Gaza. However, challenges remain as Israel aims to diminish Hamas' military capabilities, while the group has maintained control over the territory.