Hamas returns bodies of four hostages as Israel releases hundreds of prisoners

At around the same time, a Red Cross convoy carrying dozens of released Palestinian prisoners left Israel’s Ofer prison

Mourners gather around the convoy carrying the coffins of killed hostages Shiri Bibas and her two children, Ariel and Kfir, in Rishon Lezion (Ariel Schalit/AP)

Hamas handed over four dead hostages to the Red Cross early on Thursday in exchange for Israel’s release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, days before the first phase of the ceasefire in the Gaza Stripwill end.

An Israeli security official confirmed that Hamas handed the bodies to the Red Cross. The official spoke on condition of anonymity pending a formal announcement.