Israel-Hamas exchange to take place after ceasefire impasse resolved

The delayed release of 600 Palestinian prisoners will reportedly go ahead when Hamas returns four Israeli hostages' bodies.

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Israel is set to free in exchange 602 Palestinian prisoners, whose release it had delayed since last weekend in protest at what it said was the cruel treatment of hostages being handed over by Hamas.

The Israeli prime minister's office announced the four bodies would be returned "without Hamas ceremonies", while the Israel Prison Service said it was preparing to free prisoners and detainees from Gaza.

Hamas also confirmed the exchange, and the Prisoners' Media Office said a hospital in Gaza was preparing to receive released Palestinians.

This would clear the way for US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to visit the region. He has said he wants Israel and Hamas to begin delayed talks on the second stage of the ceasefire, with the first due to expire on Saturday.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2d437ddp28o

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