Hamas handed over the bodies of four Israeli hostages overnight while awaiting the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners by Israel. The exchange marked the final swap under the first phase of a fragile Gaza truce.

The ceasefire, which began on January 19, has mostly held despite setbacks. However, with the first phase ending this week, the future of the next phase, aimed at ending the conflict, remains uncertain. Hamas stated it has yet to receive any proposals.

Following days of deadlock, Egyptian mediators facilitated the transfer of the four hostages’ remains in exchange for 620 Palestinian detainees held either in Gaza or Israeli prisons.

The process faced obstacles when Israel refused to release prisoners on Saturday after Hamas conducted a public ceremony displaying live hostages and coffins with hostage remains. The event drew sharp criticism, including from the United Nations.

Unlike the previous exchange, the final handover occurred without a public display. Israel confirmed early Thursday that it received the four hostages’ remains, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.