Israel prepares to receive bodies of youngest hostages from Gaza

Israel is preparing to receive the bodies of Kfir and Ariel Bibas, the youngest hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack. Their mother, Shiri Bibas, and another hostage, Oded Lifschitz, will also be returned under a ceasefire agreement. This handover marks the first return of deceased hostages since the ceasefire began on January 19. Israel will conduct DNA tests before confirming the identities of the bodies. The agreement has allowed for the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Following the body handover, six living hostages are set to be returned on Saturday. Negotiations for further exchanges are expected to start soon, but significant disagreements remain between the two sides regarding Gaza's future governance.