Hamas released two hostages, will release four more during the day

(Patria) - Two Israeli hostages released by Hamas this morning from the Gaza Strip have arrived in Israel, the Israeli military announced, while the family of hostage Shiri Bibas confirmed that her remains have been returned home.

Tal Shoham and Avera Mengistu crossed the border (between the Gaza Strip) and Israeli territory and are on their way to a location where they are to reunite with their families, the military statement said.

Israel expects the release of four more hostages during the day, as part of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, which includes the release of several hundred Palestinian prisoners.

Citizens in Tel Aviv are gathering, awaiting the release of six hostages from captivity in Gaza as part of the latest prisoner and hostage exchange.

At the same time, this morning the family of Shiri Bibas confirmed that her remains have been returned to Israel, thus ending the uncertainty following the previous prisoner exchange.

The body that Hamas returned to Israel via the Red Cross yesterday has been identified as the body of Shiri Bibas, who was abducted along with her two sons, Ariel and Kfir, during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, in southern Israel, her family announced.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday accused Hamas of "brutally violating" the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, claiming it did not return the remains of the hostage.

Hamas earlier stated that Shiri Bibas and her sons were killed in an Israeli attack, which Israel has not confirmed.