An Israeli minister said Israel was in a stronger position to negotiate now than on the eve of the ceasefire because it has full backing from the Trump administration.

The four are expected to be the final Israeli hostages to be released as part of the ceasefire’s first phase, with talks on a second phase yet to begin.

Israel's bombardment has shattered the enclave’s hospitals, making it difficult, if not impossible, for Palestinians to get basic life-saving medical help.

The pope has sought to uphold a tradition he began nearly a year and a half ago of calling the Holy Family parish in Gaza City each night.

The release was to be part of the final prisoner-hostage exchange of the deal’s first phase, and would have been the largest group of Palestinians freed so far.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the delay in releasing 600 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, citing “ceremonies that humiliate our hostages.”

The bodies of Kfir and Ariel Bibas, the two youngest captives seized in Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack, were confirmed to be among those released as part of a ceasefire deal.

Among the bodies handed over by the Palestinian militant group were those of Kfir and Ariel Bibas, two of the youngest captives seized in its Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel.

Lebanon’s government has opposed any further delay in the Israeli pullout under the ceasefire agreement that ended fighting with Hezbollah.

Israel's security Cabinet was due to meet ahead of the expected beginning of second phase negotiations as part of the government's ceasefire deal with Hamas.