GAZA: Hamas to free 6 Israeli hostages this week

Hamas said Tuesday that it would hand over all six living Israeli hostages due for release under the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire this week, as well as the bodies of four dead captives. Thirty-three Israeli hostages were due to be released under the first phase, with 19 freed so far in exchange for […]

Hamas said Tuesday that it would hand over all six living Israeli hostages due for release under the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire this week, as well as the bodies of four dead captives.
Thirty-three Israeli hostages were due to be released under the first phase, with 19 freed so far in exchange for more than 1,100 Palestinian prisoners. Of the remaining 14, Israel says eight are dead.
Five Thai nationals held in Gaza since the 2023 attack have also been released outside the scope of the truce deal.
Hamas “decided to release on Saturday, February 22, the remaining living (Israeli) prisoners whose release was agreed in the first phase, numbering six”, the group’s top negotiator Khalil al-Hayya said in a televised address.
The group had also “decided to hand over four bodies on Thursday… and the enemy will release the corresponding prisoners”, Hayya said.