Israeli authorities are conducting DNA tests to confirm the identities of Shlomo Mansour, Ohad Yahalomi, Tsachi Idan, and Itzik Elgarat, who were abducted during the October 7, 2023, attacks.
The exchange took place early Thursday, with Palestinian prisoners receiving a welcome in the West Bank and Gaza.
This marks the final exchange under the current ceasefire phase, which is set to end on Saturday.
Israel has previously criticized Hamas for the treatment of hostages during handovers, accusing the group of public humiliation. Sources indicate that this time, Hamas complied with Israel's demand for a private transfer.
Among Palestinians to be freed are more than 400 Gazans detained during the war and 50 prisoners serving life sentences.
Footage showed buses departing Israeli prisons and arriving in Palestinian territories, where families and supporters gathered to celebrate.
The hostage exchange comes amid uncertainty over whether the ceasefire will be extended or transition into a second phase, which could involve the release of all remaining living hostages in Gaza in exchange for additional Palestinian prisoners.
Negotiations for the next phase, initially expected to begin during this round, have yet to commence.
Meanwhile, thousands in Israel attended the funeral of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, who were killed while in captivity.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/israel-begins-to-release-hundreds-of-palestinian-prisoners
