Hamas has handed over the bodies of four Israeli hostages in exchange for more than 600 Palestinian prisoners, according to The Times of Israel and BBC Russia.
The remains of Shlomo Mansour, Ohad Yahalomi, Tzachi Idan, and Itzik Elgarat were identified through DNA testing after being returned from Gaza.
The four had been taken captive during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel.
Israel began releasing Palestinian prisoners on Thursday morning, with dozens already arriving in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, where they were met by cheering crowds.
This is the final exchange of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, which is set to expire on Saturday.
Accusations of Mistreatment
Last Saturday, Israel indefinitely postponed the release of 602 Palestinian prisoners, citing Hamas' treatment of Israeli hostages. Israeli officials accused the militant group of humiliating captives during their release, including staging public displays with Hamas banners.
The handover of the four bodies follows a controversial mistake last week when Hamas first delivered the body of a Palestinian woman instead of that of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas. Hamas later admitted the error and provided the correct remains.
Unlike previous exchanges, Hamas complied with Israel's demands to transfer the bodies without a public ceremony.
A Hamas spokesperson told AFP that they wanted to avoid giving Israel "any excuse" to delay the prisoners’ release again.
Who Were the Hostages?
The four Israelis whose bodies were returned had been missing since October 7.
Tzachi Idan, 50 – Captured from Kibbutz Nahal Oz after Hamas militants stormed his family's safe room. His wife, Gali Idan, told the BBC that the attackers broadcast the event live. Their 18-year-old daughter, Maayan, was shot and killed.
Ohad Yahalomi, 50 – Kidnapped with his 12-year-old son, Ethan, from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Ethan was released in a previous hostage exchange. Yahalomi's wife and two daughters managed to escape when Hamas gunmen stormed their home.
Itzik Elgarat, 69 – Also taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz. He called his younger brother around 11:30 a.m. on October 7, saying he had been seriously injured while trying to close the door to the shelter.
Shlomo Mansour, 86 – An Iraqi-born Israeli and the oldest hostage taken by Hamas. Israeli officials believe he was killed before being taken to Gaza.
Israel and UN Condemn Hamas' Actions
Israel has accused Hamas of exploiting hostages for propaganda purposes. Released hostages have previously been forced to pose in front of Hamas banners and wave to the crowd.
In another controversial move, the coffins containing the bodies of four hostages returned last week were first put on public display against a backdrop of Hamas propaganda posters.
The United Nations has acknowledged Israel’s concerns, stating that Hamas' actions violated international law by failing to treat hostages with dignity. Israel has also criticized the lack of medical care and safety precautions during hostage transfers.
With the ceasefire set to end on Saturday, the fate of future exchanges remains uncertain.
