Hamas handed over the bodies of four hostages in exchange for Israel’s release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners Thursday, days before the first phase of their ceasefire will end. Israel had delayed the agreed-upon prisoner release,

The release came after several days of negotiations following Israel’s refusal on Saturday to exchange some Palestinian prisoners it had pledged to free.

Hamas handed over four dead hostages to the Red Cross early Thursday in exchange for Israel's release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, days before the first phase of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will end.