Gaza: Israel has released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners after Hamas handed over the bodies of four Israeli prisoners to the Red Cross, marking the final exchange under the first phase of a ceasefire deal that took effect on January 19. The bodies of the Israeli prisoners were transferred to the Red Cross in southern Gaza and transported to the Kerem Shalom border crossing around midnight. Simultaneously, a convoy of buses carrying Palestinian prisoners arrived in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the released Palestinians appeared emaciated, with some transported to Gaza in ambulances due to severe injuries. Hamas has previously alleged that Palestinian prisoners, taken from Gaza and elsewhere, were tortured and abused in Israeli jails. More than 600 Palestinian prisoners were released overnight between Wednesday and Thursday, with most being freed in Gaza, as stated by Hamas officials. The ceasefire deal, brokered earlier this year, required the release of 3 3 Israeli prisoners, including the bodies of eight, by March 1, in exchange for 1,900 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. However, the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners was postponed by Israel last week after Hamas handed over six Israeli prisoners, putting the fragile ceasefire at risk. In a statement on Thursday, Hamas expressed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement and readiness to begin negotiations for the second phase of the deal. Hamas reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire agreement, emphasizing negotiation and adherence to the terms as the only way to secure the release of the remaining Israeli prisoners in Gaza. The Palestinian resistance movement urged Israel to engage in talks for the second phase of the agreement.