Hamas and Israel have finalized an exchange deal marking the end of the first phase of their fragile ceasefire in Gaza. Hamas handed over the bodies of four Israeli hostages – confirmed on Thursday morning as Tsachi Idan, Itzhak Elgarat, Ohad Yahalomi, and Shlomo Mantzur – while awaiting the release of 620 Palestinian security prisoners detained in Gaza and Israeli jails.

Mediated by Egyptian officials, the deal resolves a recent impasse that had threatened to collapse the ceasefire, which took effect on January 19 following the October 7 attacks. The prisoner swap had been delayed after Israel cited Hamas’ staged ceremonies during previous exchanges as a breach of the agreement. In this final exchange, the coffins containing the bodies of the hostages were delivered to Israel early Thursday and are now undergoing initial identification and forensic examination, with families to be notified upon confirmation.

The broader ceasefire deal involves the release of 33 Israeli hostages in total in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, along with the withdrawal of some Israeli troops from Gaza and an influx of humanitarian aid. With the 42-day truce set to expire on Saturday, negotiators now face uncertainty over whether the ceasefire will be extended into a second phase or if renewed fighting will ensue. US special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to join talks soon to help chart the way forward.