Hamas to turn over bodies of four Israeli hostages in exchange for release of hundreds of prisoners

Hamas says that it will return the bodies of four dead hostages on Thursday in exchange for Israel’s release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, two days before the first phase of the ceasefire between the warring parties is set to expire. Israel had delayed the release of some 600 Palestinian prisoners over what it said was the cruel treatment of hostages during their release by the militant group. The deadlock over the exchange had threatened to collapse the ceasefire when the current six-week first phase of the deal expires this weekend. Hamas' latest announcement on Wednesday would complete both sides’ obligations of the first phase of the ceasefire.