Israel released 596 Palestinian hostages on Thursday, with 46 more scheduled to be freed in exchange for the bodies of four Israeli hostages returned by Hamas.
The release comes as part of a fragile ceasefire agreement that began on January 19, 2025.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the remains of the four hostages had been handed over, with identification processes underway.
Two of them, Itzik Elgarat and Ohad Yahalomi, were members of the Nir Oz kibbutz. The other two were identified as Tsachi Idan and Shlomo Mansour.
Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including women and minors, were seen arriving in Gaza and the West Bank, where they were welcomed by families and supporters. Some were lifted onto shoulders in celebration, while others gave interviews upon their return.
The exchange had been delayed after Israel objected to the elaborate ceremonies Hamas had conducted when handing over hostages. However, Hamas stated that the latest return was conducted privately to prevent any further delays.
Hamas has now urged Israel to begin negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire deal, a stance echoed by US envoy Steve Witkoff, who confirmed Israeli representatives were heading to talks in either Doha or Cairo.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain. The Israeli military launched airstrikes in Gaza after a projectile was fired from the enclave, though it reportedly fell short within Palestinian territory.
Meanwhile, in Israel, thousands attended the funeral of Shiri Bibas and her two sons, who were killed while in captivity.
The Israeli parliament observed a minute of silence to remember all victims of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, which left over 1,215 dead. Israel has vowed to continue its efforts to retrieve all remaining hostages.
The war has claimed over 48,348 lives in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, figures considered credible by the United Nations. Last week, Israel expanded its raids on the West Bank leaving 6 children dead.
