Egyptian authorities have stated that Hamas is set to release 14 Israeli hostages on Saturday in exchange for 42 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. This development comes on the second day of a cease-fire, enabling crucial humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip. The cease-fire has provided civilians with their first respite after seven weeks of conflict.
On the first day of the four-day cease-fire, Hamas released 24 of the about 240 hostages taken during its Oct. 7 attack on Israel that triggered the war, and Israel freed 39 Palestinians from prison. Those freed from captivity in Gaza were 13 Israelis, 10 Thais and a Filipino. that Hamas is set
On Saturday, Hamas shared a list of 14 hostages slated for release with mediators Egypt and Qatar. The information has been relayed to Israel, as confirmed by an Egyptian official who spoke on condition of anonymity, as they are not authorized to discuss the specifics of the ongoing negotiations. Another Egyptian official, also speaking anonymously, corroborated these details.
Under the truce agreement, Hamas will release one Israeli hostage for every three prisoners freed, and Israel’s Prison Service had already said earlier Saturday it was preparing 42 prisoners for release.