As the six-week truce between Israel and Hamas reached its sixth day, the Palestinian militant organization announced on Friday the names of four Israeli women hostages set for release on Saturday. The swap agreement specifies that Palestinian prisoners will be freed in return for the release of Israeli women soldiers, set to be released on Saturday.
Four Israeli women — Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag would be released on Saturday, Hamas said in a statement.
As reported by Reuters, the exchange is expected to start on Saturday afternoon. The second phase of exchanging Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages follows the release of three Israeli women and 90 Palestinian detainees on the initial day of the ceasefire last Saturday.
ALSO READ: ICC announces Test team of the year; Three Indians included
Israel has committed to releasing 50 Palestinian detainees for each Israeli female soldier that Hamas frees. Officials predict that four hostages will be swapped for 200 Palestinian prisoners through this agreement.
On Sunday, three Israeli women were freed, and the remains of a soldier who had been missing for ten years were found. According to Israeli reports, 94 hostages, both Israeli and foreign, are still in Gaza.
The ceasefire, facilitated by Qatar and Egypt with assistance from the US, signifies the initial extended halt in combat since a temporary truce in November 2023.
Hamas has consented to free 33 hostages in return for the release of hundreds of Palestinian inmates held in Israeli prisons during this stage.
