Israel says it will receive bodies of four hostages held by Hamas in Gaza | World News

Israel says it is preparing to receive the bodies of four hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

Israeli security officials also said they were working to bring back six living hostages on Saturday.

It comes after the Israeli army said it killed Mohammad Shaheen, the head of operations in Lebanon for Hamas, in the port city of Sidon.

Hamas confirmed Mr Shaheen’s death but described him as a military commander.

On Monday, Israeli forces also said they would remain in five strategic locations in southern Lebanon close to the border despite Tuesday’s deadline for a full withdrawal.

Israel had originally agreed to withdraw all its forces from southern Lebanon under its ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, but said on Monday any such move must be done « in a way that the security of our civilians is kept ».

The initial withdrawal deadline was in late January, but Lebanon agreed to extend it to 18 February.

Lebanese president Joseph Aoun said the ceasefire agreement « must be respected, » claiming Israel « cannot be trusted ».

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