The bodies of four Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas more than a year ago were returned to Israel early Thursday, officials said, in an overnight exchange held five days after Israel halted prisoner releases in protest over Hamas' repeated use of hostage handovers as "humiliating" publicity stunts.

An Israeli group representing families of hostages held by Hamas says the remains of three of four bodies returned early Thursday have been identified. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said Thursday that the bodies of Ohad Yahalomi,

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli hostage group says the remains of 3 hostages returned by Hamas have been identified. A deal between the U.S. and Ukraine to ensure continued support in exchange for rare minerals is reportedly nearing completion.