Israel has begun releasing more than 600 Palestinian prisoners following Hamas’ handover of four bodies, authorities confirmed on Friday.

DNA tests are still being conducted to verify the identities of the bodies, but Hamas has identified them as Shlomo Mansour, 86, Ohad Yahalomi, 50, Tsachi Idan, 50, and Itzik Elgarat, 69. All four were taken during the October 7, 2023, attack.

This marks the final exchange under the initial phase of the ceasefire agreement, which is set to conclude on Saturday.

The prisoner release had been scheduled for the weekend but was delayed after Israel protested what it described as “humiliating” hostage handover ceremonies.

According to Israeli officials, Hamas agreed to transfer the bodies without any ceremony on Friday night.

Source: BBC

BDST: 0936 HRS, FEB 27, 202
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