Israel released Palestinian hostages after Hamas handed over the bodies of four Israeli hostages, following a delay in the agreed swap.

Hamas transferred the bodies to Red Cross officials at the Kerem Shalom border without a formal ceremony. Israeli authorities are set to identify them. In response, Palestinian hostages were freed from Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank and transported to Ramallah, where they were welcomed by relatives. The exact number of released detainees remains unclear.

Israel had previously postponed the exchange, accusing Hamas of using released prisoners for propaganda. The swap was finalized after negotiations in Cairo, with Hamas insisting on full adherence to the agreement.