Tel Aviv, Israel – The exchange of the remains of Israeli hostages and the release of Palestinian prisoners in Gaza and the occupied West Bank marked the start of the final swap in a 42-day truce between Israel and Hamas. The fragile ceasefire deal, set to expire this weekend, hinges on reaching an agreement to extend it.

Hamas signaled its willingness to engage in talks for the second phase of the deal after agreeing to hand over the bodies of four Israelis – Tsachi Idan, Itzhak Elgarat, Ohad Yahalomi, and Shlomo Mantzur. The four individuals were captured during a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, and their remains were confirmed by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

The latest transfer of the coffins took place privately, as per an agreement with the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office to avoid any Hamas ceremonies. Israel is preparing to release a total of 642 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, including women, children, individuals held without charge, as well as those serving life sentences.

Despite initial doubts due to disagreements over previous ceremonies, the handover of the bodies was facilitated by the Red Cross in the early hours of Thursday at the Kerem Shalom crossing, with the identification process now underway in Israeli territory. Following the handover, buses carrying released Palestinian prisoners arrived in Gaza, where emotional reunions with families took place.

The freed detainees were met with scenes of joy and relief, as they reunited with their loved ones in Gaza and the West Bank. The release of the prisoners is seen as a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to uphold the fragile ceasefire and promote peace in the region.

As the exchange continues, tensions remain high as both sides navigate complex negotiations and challenges surrounding the recent prisoner swap. The future of the ceasefire and the well-being of those involved hang in the balance as both Israel and Hamas work towards a lasting peace agreement.