Israel, Hamas Agree to Exchange Hostage Bodies, Prisoners

Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement to exchange the bodies of four deceased Israeli hostages for the release of 602 Palestinian prisoners, helping to maintain the fragile ceasefire. This breakthrough follows tensions over Israel's delay in freeing the prisoners, which it justified by accusing Hamas of inhumane treatment of hostages. The agreement, brokered in Cairo, is expected to facilitate the completion of the first phase of the ceasefire, which has been in place for six weeks. An Israeli official confirmed that the exchange would take place through Egypt, although there are reports of potential delays. The resolution paves the way for further negotiations, with U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff expected to visit soon to discuss the next phase, which aims to secure the release of remaining hostages and an end to the conflict. Despite the progress, humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire, with significant civilian suffering reported.