Hamas is expected to provide the names of four Israeli hostages to be released as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal. The hostages are believed to include both soldiers and civilians, all of whom are women. In exchange, Israel will release 180 Palestinian prisoners.
This release marks the second exchange under the ceasefire. The first exchange saw three hostages and 90 prisoners exchanged. This ceasefire ended the ongoing war that started when Hamas attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
As part of the continued ceasefire agreement, Hamas will also provide further information about the remaining 26 hostages who are set to be released over the coming weeks. This includes the Bibas family, consisting of two parents and two children, one of whom, Kfir, was just 10 months old when taken. It remains unclear if Hamas will release only the number of hostages or the specific names and details, including the status (alive or deceased) of the hostages.
Prisoner Exchange Details
The prisoners to be released in the second phase are considered to be of a more serious category, including those convicted of killings and currently serving long sentences, some of which exceed 15 years. Israel has firmly stated that no individuals involved in the October 7 attacks will be released under the agreement.
The deal, which was reached through indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, was mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt. The ceasefire will be implemented in three stages, with the second stage set to begin six weeks into the truce. This phase includes the release of 1,900 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 hostages. During this period, Israeli forces will begin withdrawing from Gaza, and displaced Palestinians will be allowed to return to their homes.
The ceasefire aims to bring a permanent end to the conflict in Gaza. As of now, 91 hostages remain in Hamas custody, with 57 believed to still be alive.
