Israel and Hamas agree on hostage and prisoner exchange

Israel and Hamas have agreed to exchange the bodies of four Israeli hostages for the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners. This agreement helps maintain a fragile ceasefire that has been in place since January 19. The exchange is set to occur later Wednesday. The deal follows delays due to accusations from both sides regarding violations of the ceasefire terms. An Israeli official confirmed the agreement, which aims to resolve the issues surrounding the release of Palestinian detainees. Funerals were held for three members of the Bibas family, who were taken hostage during the October 7 attack. Their bodies were returned last week, and there are ongoing disputes about the circumstances of their deaths.