Israel has received four coffins said to contain the remains of Israeli hostages as part of an overnight exchange with Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. This exchange is part of the fragile ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, set to expire this weekend unless extended. The remains of hostages Tsachi Idan, Itzhak Elgarat, Ohad Yahalomi, and Shlomo Mantzur, who were captured in a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, were handed over by Hamas' military wing, the Qassam Brigades.
Israel is expected to release 642 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, including women, children, detainees held without charge, and those serving life sentences. The handover of the remains and prisoners was conducted privately, with the Israeli Prime Minister's Office emphasizing a respectful procedure without Hamas ceremonies.
