Hamas has handed over the bodies of four hostages in exchange for Israel's release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, days before the first phase of their ceasefire will end.

The Israeli military is investigating reports that Hamas has given the Red Cross the body purported to be that of hostage Shiri Bibas. Details are still emerging as officials work to verify the authenticity of the report and the identity of the remains.

The transfer of the body comes less than 24 hours after the Israeli military said that the remains it received Thursday were not that of the Israeli mother.