Over 600 Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel in exchange as ceasefire talks move forward

Israel has released over 600 Palestinian prisoners in a move linked to a broader ceasefire agreement. 

This release took place early Thursday morning, in accordance with a deal that followed the handover of the bodies of four Israeli hostages by Hamas.

Reports confirm that the prisoners were freed from Ofer Prison, and the Red Cross assisted in their transportation. 

Initially, they were moved to Ramallah, and later twelve buses carrying the released prisoners reached the European Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. 

Witnesses to the event described the emotional scenes, with many of the freed Palestinians celebrating their release with joy, some even shedding tears.

This release comes after a brief delay. On February 22, Israel had postponed the release of these prisoners, accusing Hamas of mistreating the Israeli hostages. 

Hamas, however, responded by saying that no further discussions on the ceasefire agreement would take place until the prisoners were freed. 

Diplomatic efforts from third-party nations ultimately facilitated the release of the prisoners as part of the ceasefire arrangement.

In another major development, Hamas handed over the bodies of the four Israeli hostages to the Red Cross. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‍‍`s office confirmed that Israel had received the coffins, and the formal process of identifying the bodies is currently underway.

With the first phase of the ceasefire nearing its conclusion, which began on January 19 with the exchange of prisoners and hostages, talks are set to begin for the second phase of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. 

These negotiations are being led by intermediary countries aiming to bring about further peace.