Hamas will hand over the bodies of four hostages to Israel in exchange for prisoners.

According to the ceasefire agreement with HAMAS, on Saturday, February 22, Israel was supposed to release 602 Palestinians from prison in response to the group's release of six Israeli hostages. However, it did not proceed with this, citing that HAMAS was conducting "propaganda ceremonies that demean the dignity of the hostages." This action threatened to derail the entire deal.

The parties have agreed on a new exchange mediated by Egypt. Palestinian prisoners will be released simultaneously with the bodies of Israeli hostages – "in addition to an equivalent number of Palestinian women and children" detained following HAMAS's attack on southern Israel in October 2023.

An Israeli official confirmed the exchange, noting that it will take place today, February 26, in the evening. According to other reports, the exchange will only occur tomorrow, notes The Times of Israel.

According to the publication, 63 hostages remain in the Gaza Strip, 36 of whom have been confirmed dead. In the first phase of the deal, HAMAS promised to return 25 Israeli hostages and eight bodies in exchange for the release of nearly two thousand Palestinian prisoners. To date, HAMAS has released twenty Israelis and handed over four bodies. The first phase of the deal is expected to conclude this Sunday, March 2, but it may be extended.

Discussions regarding the second phase of the deal will begin today, February 26, stated U.S. Special Representative for the Middle East Steve Whitkoff. If negotiations – in Qatar or Egypt – go successfully, Whitkoff "may join them on Sunday."