Hamas has announced the names of the next four hostages it plans to release on Saturday as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement with Israel. The release follows a deal aimed at temporarily halting the conflict in Gaza, which has been in place for at least six weeks. While Hamas disclosed the hostages’ identities, Israel had not immediately confirmed the list.
As per the terms of the agreement, Hamas will free the four hostages in exchange for 180 Palestinians imprisoned or detained by Israel. The release is part of a broader arrangement under which 33 hostages are expected to be freed gradually, with additional Palestinian prisoners being released by Israel. Humanitarian aid has also been entering Gaza, addressing the dire needs of the population.
Relatives of the hostages still held by Hamas have urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure the release of all remaining captives. They also called on U.S. President Joe Biden to continue pressuring for the hostages’ safe return. Israel estimates that approximately one-third of the remaining hostages in Gaza, or as many as half, may have died during the conflict. However, Hamas has not provided full details on the status of all captives or disclosed the names of those who may have died.
The ongoing war, which erupted following a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of over 47,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with many civilians in the central and southern areas awaiting the opportunity to return to their homes in the heavily damaged northern region.
The ceasefire, which includes the gradual release of hostages and prisoners, aims to bring temporary relief to both sides, although the long-term resolution of the conflict remains uncertain.
References:
- Gaza Health Authorities
- Reuters
- Israeli Government
- U.S. Government
Israel-Palestine-Ceasefire by-Ted-Eytan-CCA-SA-4.0.
