By KUNA,
Beirut : The bodies of the two Israeli soldiers have been handed over to Jewish authorities, and in return the five Lebanese prisoners have been delivered to the international mediators.
Hezbollah’s media office representative told KUNA that the swap had begun, noting that Israel would also be handing over the remains of 199 Lebanese and Palestinian fighters.
The representative confirmed having received the five Lebanese prisoners, in a swap that was being sponsored by the United National and the International Red Cross.
This is the eighth swap of prisoners between Hezbollah and Israel since 1991.
The Lebanese government had called for an official holiday today, in celebration of the prisoners. The returned prisoners will be meeting later today with President Michel Suleiman, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Fuad Siniora.