Palestinian militants released two Israeli hostages on Saturday, February 22, among the last captives eligible for release under the initial phase of a fragile truce that also includes the exchange of Palestinian prisoners.
The release follows an emotional period in Israel after the family of Shiri Bibas confirmed on Saturday that they had received her remains. Bibas and her two young sons had become symbols of the suffering endured by Israeli hostages since the Gaza war began.
Militants had seized dozens of captives during the unprecedented October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which triggered more than 15 months of conflict in Gaza.