Israel on Thursday (Feb 27) said that it had received the coffins of four hostages from Hamas and that the process to identify the remains was underway. In exchange, Tel Aviv released a group of Palestinian prisoners in West Bank's Ramallah.

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"Israel has received the coffins of four fallen hostages through the Red Cross," the prime minister's office said in a statement.

The exchange was scheduled to happen last week but was delayed by Israel after Hamas on Friday (Feb 21) released the remains of youngest hostages Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, an anonymous woman and Oded Lifshitz.

Ariel and Kfir's mother's body was also supposed to be released along with them, but it wasn't. This led to a hue and cry following which the remains of Shiri Bibas were handed over to Israel early the next day.  

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Also read | Hamas murdered young hostages? Israel claims 'terrorists' killed 10-month-old Kfir and 4-year-old Ariel Bibas with 'bare hands'

The bodies were paraded before crowds in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, with propaganda posters before being transferred to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Armed Hamas fighters carried out the handover.  

Israeli hostages released with humiliating ceremonies

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Talking to AFP, a senior leader of the Palestinian group Hamas confirmed the release and said that the bodies belonged to Israeli hostages.

"Four bodies transferred to the Red Cross from Hamas," said the Hamas official., adding that they were now waiting for Tel Aviv to release Palestinian prisoners.

Also read | Bibas family calls on Israeli officials to take responsiblity for hostage deaths; 'no meaning to forgiveness'

"The four bodies were handed over a short while ago, and we are waiting for the release of Palestinian prisoners," said the official.

The latest release of the hostage remains comes just days after Israel paused the exchange, citing concerns over the manner in which hostages were being freed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the militants for what he labelled as "humiliating ceremonies". 

Since the ceasefire began on January 19, Hamas has publicly released 25 Israeli hostages across Gaza. These staged events saw masked, armed fighters escort captives onto platforms decorated with slogans and propaganda.

Israel, in turn, has freed over 1,100 Palestinian prisoners.

Also read | Hamas to hand over bodies of four slain Israeli hostages 'tonight' without public ceremony, confirms Netanyahu

Palestinian prisoners released

In the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, a bus carrying a group of Palestinian prisoners released by Israel under the Gaza ceasefire deal arrived to a cheering crowd.

The prisoners, wearing traditional keffiyeh scarves and jackets to cover their jail uniforms, descended the buses to a jubilant crowd. They will undergo a health checkup before being reunited with their families.

With this exchange, the first phase of prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas under the Gaza ceasefire agreement has been concluded.

The truce provided for the release of 33 Israeli hostages, including the bodies of eight, by March 1. In exchange, 1,900 Palestinians held by Israel were to be released.

(With inputs from agencies)