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“On behalf of the State of Israel, I bow my head and ask for forgiveness," Herzog wrote.

Yizhar emphasized that he firmly believed Israel made the right decision in implementing the hostage deal.

Hamas continues to claim that Bibas family was murdered by Israel, while on October 7 they claimed to release them.

Abu Warda was serving 48 life sentences for being involved in terror attacks in the 1990s, including two terror attacks on the number 18 bus that killed 44 people.

The coffins are set to be transferred to the L. Greenberg Institute of Forensic Medicine at Abu Kabir for identification. 

"They said all of Judaism is a lie, but they preferred someone who believes in God over someone who doesn’t," Agam said.

Hamas has built a stage ahead of every hostage release so far, holding ceremonies and inviting local Gazans to spectate.

Red Cross calls for private, dignified handover • Herzog: This is a ‘wake-up call’ for Israel and the world

Religious Zionism party threatens to leave the government if phase two of the hostage deal proceeds, as leader MK Moshe Solomon says war must resume within 42 days to maintain coalition stability.

In a message relayed through recently freed captives, hostage Nimrod Cohen tells his family he's okay, while his father accuses Netanyahu of undermining Israel's security chiefs in rescue efforts.