Israel Awaits Names of Hostages for Next Release in Ceasefire Deal
Hamas is expected to provide the names of four additional hostages set to be released on Saturday as part of the ongoing Gaza ceasefire agreement. The deal, mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, follows indirect negotiations and aims to secure the release of 33 hostages in exchange for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners over several weeks. This marks the second exchange since the truce began on January 19.
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Under the agreement, Hamas will prioritize the release of women, children, the elderly, and sick individuals. In return, Israel will release Palestinian prisoners, including those serving lengthy sentences, though individuals involved in the October 7 attacks are excluded. During the first exchange, three Israeli hostages were freed, and 90 Palestinian prisoners were released. The next group is expected to include both civilians and soldiers.
The temporary ceasefire halted the war that erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages into Gaza. Israel responded with a large-scale offensive, during which over 47,200 Palestinians were reportedly killed, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry. The ceasefire agreement, implemented in phases, is intended to facilitate the release of hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the return of displaced Palestinian families to their homes.
