Gaza, Jan. 26 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced that the completion of the second phase of a prisoner-hostage exchange between Hamas and Israel, implemented under the initial terms of a ceasefire agreement.

The second phase, including the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners and four Israeli hostages, was carried out after thorough coordination and review procedures conducted by the ICRC, a neutral intermediary that ensured the smooth and secure implementation of the exchange, it said.

The Israeli hostages were transferred safely, with their well-being prioritised, whereas the Palestinian prisoners were released from Israeli detention centres and transported to Gaza and the West Bank following ICRC's inter...