Israel and Hamas completed the first phase of a ceasefire deal with the return of four bodies of hostages murdered by Hamas. In exchange, Israel released over 600 convicted Palestinian terrorists. The handover was done without macabre theatrics. The families of the hostages are being updated on the identifications.
Key Points
Bodies of four hostages returned to Israel
Israel released 600 Palestinian terrorists in exchange
Forensic investigation ongoing
Families of hostages being updated
Pros
First phase of ceasefire deal completed
Return of bodies of hostages for proper burial
Cons
Release of over 600 convicted Palestinian terrorists