Jerusalem, February 27, 2025: Hamas handed over the bodies of four Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners by Israel, marking the final swap under a fragile truce in Gaza.
The ceasefire, which took effect on January 19, has largely held despite setbacks. However, with its first phase set to expire this week, the fate of a second phase—potentially leading to a lasting peace—remains uncertain. Hamas has stated that it has not received any new proposals for the next stage of the agreement.
After days of deadlock, Egyptian mediators brokered a deal leading to the handover of four Israeli hostages’ bodies in exchange for 620 Palestinian prisoners—either detained in Gaza or jailed in Israel. The process had faced previous hurdles, including Israel’s refusal to release prisoners on Saturday after Hamas staged a controversial public ceremony before transferring six hostages.
Unlike previous exchanges, Thursday’s handover was conducted without a public display, avoiding the criticism Hamas faced for presenting living hostages and bodies in coffins before transferring them.
The bodies, now in Israel’s custody, are believed to be those of Tsachi Idan, Itzhak Elgarat, Ohad Yahalomi, and Shlomo Mantzur, who were abducted from their kibbutz homes during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Israeli forensic teams will confirm their identities, according to the Israeli Health Ministry.
A previous handover was delayed when Hamas mistakenly transferred the remains of an unidentified woman instead of hostage Shiri Bibas, later correcting the error.
In return, Israel has freed 445 men, 24 women and minors from Gaza, and 151 prisoners serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis, according to Hamas sources.
Live footage from the West Bank’s Ofer Prison showed a bus carrying the freed Palestinian detainees arriving in Ramallah, where hundreds gathered to welcome them. Some of the released men, dressed in green jackets and keffiyehs, were hoisted onto shoulders amid celebratory chants.
The first phase of the truce has so far resulted in the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. It also led to an Israeli military withdrawal from certain positions in Gaza and an increase in humanitarian aid deliveries.
With the 42-day truce set to expire on Saturday, questions remain over whether it will be extended to facilitate the release of 59 remaining Israeli hostages or if talks for a broader deal will commence.
