With the first phase of the truce set to expire Saturday, Hamas on Wednesday turned over the bodies of four hostages and Israel released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Arab leaders are being forced to deal with a question they have long kicked down the road: What to do with Hamas.

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas handed over four dead hostages to the Red Cross early Thursday in exchange for Israel’s release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, days before the first phase of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will end.