Hamas to return bodies for release of Palestinian prisoners

Hamas will return the bodies of four Israeli hostages on Thursday in exchange for Israel releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. This agreement comes just before the first phase of a ceasefire is set to expire. Israel has delayed the release of around 600 Palestinian prisoners, citing concerns over the treatment of hostages. Hamas claims this delay violates the ceasefire agreement and has hindered further negotiations. The exchange aims to fulfill both sides' obligations under the ceasefire, which has already seen Hamas return 33 hostages and eight bodies in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.