Hamas said it would turn over the bodies of the boys, Ariel Bibas and his baby brother, Kfir, and their mother. Israel was expected to release Palestinian prisoners in exchange.

Sky News host Andrew Bolt has slammed Hamas as “disgusting” for returning dead hostages in exchange for live Palestinian prisoners.

When Hamas returns the bodies of four hostages this week, they'll include the two youngest hostages taken, reports the BBC. The group said three of the four bodies are those of Shiri Bibas and her two children—Kfir,

A separate cease-fire in Gaza was also in doubt as the region marked 500 days of Israel’s war with Hamas, while Israel and the United States sent conflicting signals over whether they want the truce to continue.

Israel’s military says its forces will remain in five strategic locations in southern Lebanon after Tuesday’s deadline for their withdrawal under a ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group, as Lebanon’s government expressed frustration over another delay.

Tensions between Israel and Hamas are increasing just two days after the sixth hostage-prisoner exchange. Israel launched a fresh offensive against the Iran-backed group, even as Israel's security cabinet was expected to convene today to discuss the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.