As part of the ongoing cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, the Red Cross received the bodies of four hostages who had died while in Hamas custody on Thursday.

An Israeli security source confirmed the exchange, which occurred within the Gaza Strip. Egyptian mediators played a role in transferring the caskets, which are now undergoing identification by Israeli authorities.

Concurrently, Israel proceeded with the release of several hundred Palestinian prisoners, an action that had been previously postponed. The Red Cross provided logistical support, assisting with the transportation of the released detainees.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s office had announced the exchange on Wednesday, indicating that it was expected to proceed without the controversial “ceremonies” that Hamas had previously conducted.

Prime Minister Netanyahu had temporarily suspended the seventh release in response to Hamas’s propaganda-driven release ceremonies. These ceremonies included instances where hostages were reportedly compelled to pose with Hamas fighters and kiss militants.

“Given Hamas’s continued violations, including the demeaning ceremonies involving our hostages and their cynical exploitation for propaganda purposes, the decision has been made to delay the release of terrorists that was planned for yesterday until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies,” a statement from Netanyahu explained.

Hamas criticized the delay as a “serious violation,” while its treatment of prisoners has faced condemnation from international organizations, including the United Nations.

“According to international law, the transfer of deceased individuals must adhere to the prohibition of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, ensuring respect for the dignity of the deceased and their families,” stated the United Nations Geneva on X last week, attributing the quote to High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

Danny Danon, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, described Hamas’s “ceremonies” as “evil and depraved” in comments to Digital.

“For 16 months, Israel has been battling a terrorist organization that disregards human life, particularly that of Israelis or Jews — all while international bodies like the U.N. have failed to condemn Hamas and formally demand the immediate return of Danon stated.

The Associated Press and ‘ Rachel Wolf and Yael Rotem-Kuriel contributed to this report.

“`