Hamas Releases Four Dead Israelis as Part of Delayed Exchange

Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas set to end this weekend
Two sides remain far apart in negotiations to end Gaza war

Red Cross vehicles transport bodies of Israeli hostages, in Gaza, on Feb. 27.Photographer: Abdallah F.s. Alattar/Anadolu/Getty Images

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Marissa Newman, Sherif Tarek, and Fares Alghoul

February 26, 2025 at 5:19 PM UTC

Updated on

February 27, 2025 at 11:27 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Israel and Hamas exchanged dead Israeli hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, a swap that was delayed with the sides accusing each other in recent days of breaking the terms of the Gaza ceasefire.

The Israeli military received the coffins of four hostages from the Red Cross after they were handed over by Hamas, Israel’s government announced early on Thursday.