Hamas to return bodies of four Israeli hostages in Gaza transfer

Hamas is set to return the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including two young boys, as part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel. This marks the first handover of remains since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023. The transfer will occur in Khan Younis, Gaza. The hostages include Shiri Bibas and her sons, Kfir and Ariel, along with Oded Lifshitz. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the day as "heartbreaking" for the nation. Negotiations for a second phase of the truce are expected to begin this week. This phase may involve the release of more hostages and a potential end to the ongoing conflict.