Israel to release prisoners for bodies of hostages

Israel has agreed to release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the bodies of four Israeli hostages, according to Egyptian media. This development comes as talks for a second phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal are ongoing. Hamas confirmed the agreement, and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Israeli representatives are heading to negotiations in either Doha or Cairo. The first phase of the ceasefire is set to end on Saturday. Despite accusations of ceasefire violations from both sides, the truce has largely held. Israel continues military operations in the West Bank and has conducted air strikes in southern Syria, targeting military sites.