Israel and Hamas agree on hostage and prisoner exchange

Israeli and Hamas officials have agreed to exchange the bodies of dead hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, concluding the first phase of their ceasefire. The exchange is set to occur on Thursday. This agreement follows a delay by Israel in releasing 600 Palestinian prisoners, which Hamas called a violation of the ceasefire. The deal aims to resolve tensions that threatened the ceasefire's continuation. The exchange will fulfill both sides' obligations under the ceasefire, which has seen Hamas return hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Talks for a second phase of the ceasefire are expected to resume soon.