Hamas to Exchange 4 Dead Hostages for Prisoners

Hamas will return the bodies of four deceased Israeli hostages to Israel on Thursday. In exchange, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including women and minors. Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif al-Qanou confirmed the exchange. The delay in releasing 600 Palestinian prisoners by Israel, in protest of Hamas' treatment of hostages, was termed a "serious violation" by al-Qanou. The current ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is fragile and threatened by this deadlock. It ends this weekend, marking the end of a six-week first phase.

In Gaza, seven infants, including one under two months old, have died of hypothermia due to a severe cold wave, with temperatures dipping below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Dr. Munir al-Boursh from Gaza's Health Ministry confirmed the deaths. The humanitarian crisis remains severe, with damaged infrastructure impacting health services. Steve Witkoff, Middle East envoy of President Trump, plans to visit the region. He aims to initiate talks for the second phase of negotiations, hoping for the release of all remaining hostages and ending the war. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)