Hamas calls for talks on next phase of ceasefire after hostage-prisoner exchange

Freed Palestinians celebrate as they arrive in the Gaza Strip after being released from an Israeli prison Picture: Jehad Alshrafi/AP

Hamas has said it is ready to negotiate the next phase of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, after a swap in which it handed over the remains of four hostages in exchange for the release of more than 600 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

It was the final such exchange the two sides agreed to as part of a truce that is set to end this weekend.