Josef Federman

Israeli and Hamas officials say they have reached an agreement to exchange the bodies of dead hostages for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

JERUSALÉN (AP) — Funcionarios de Israel y Hamás afirmaron el martes que han llegado a un acuerdo para intercambiar los cuerpos de cautivos muertos por cientos de prisioneros palestinos, manteniendo su frágil alto el fuego intacto por al menos unos días más.

Israeli police have reported a series of explosions on three buses in central Israel in what they said appeared to be a militant attack. No injuries were reported.

U.S. President Donald Trump has quickly plunged into Mideast diplomacy since returning to office last month.

The first phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is supposed to last six weeks. But three weeks in, both Israel and Hamas are accusing the other of violating the deal, and Hamas’ threat to delay freeing more hostages has prompted Israel to prepare to resume fighting if needed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be flying high. Israel’s enemies across the region have been badly weakened during 15 months of war.

Israel’s Cabinet has approved a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of dozens of hostages that will pause the 15-month war with Hamas for six weeks.

Mediators say Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal to pause the devastating 15-month war in the Gaza Strip, raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.

Three officials acknowledged progress has been made and said the coming days would be critical for ending more than 15 months of fighting that has destabilized the Middle East.

A senior Israeli official says the government is working with allies in a renewed push to win the freedom of an Israeli-Russian researcher who is believed to have been kidnapped in Iraq nearly two years ago.