**Israel and Hamas Reach Ceasefire Breakthrough**
Mediators have resolved the latest impasse in the Gaza ceasefire agreement, officials from Israel and Hamas say. The breakthrough comes after a delay in releasing 600 Palestinian prisoners.
**Prisoners to be Released Soon**
In exchange for the bodies of four Israeli hostages, it is expected that two batches of Palestinian prisoners will be released. This could happen as early as Wednesday or Thursday. US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has said he wants Israel to start talks with Hamas on the second phase of the ceasefire.
**Funeral Procession Held**
The news of the breakthrough was announced at a funeral procession for Shiri Bibas, her two sons, and their hostage, who were released by Hamas last week. They had been kidnapped and killed in captivity during the attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
**Hamas Confirms Deal**
In a press release, Hamas announced that a delegation headed by Khalil al Hayya had returned from Cairo after reaching a deal to resolve the issue over delayed releases of Palestinian prisoners. The report added that the prisoners will be released at the same time as the bodies of Israeli hostages who agreed to be handed back during the first phase.
**Israel Confirms Release of Hostages’ Bodies**
According to Haaretz, Hamas is likely to hand over the bodies of four hostages on Wednesday evening near the Kerem Shalom border crossing in southern Gaza. Egyptian officials have confirmed that Hamas will deliver the bodies without any ceremony in Gaza on Thursday.
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