Hamas Releases Next Set of Hostages Amid Ceasefire Agreement
The ongoing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas continues to see the release of hostages. Hamas has published the names of the next group of captives set to be freed from Gaza. The release is expected to take place shortly at a designated site in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, where Hamas has set up a stage for the event. Armed militants have secured the location with white pickup trucks equipped with machine guns flanking the area.
Hostage Exchange Details
According to officials, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) anticipate the release of the hostages around 10 a.m. local time. The three male captives—Elie Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami, and Or Lei—will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. This follows a delay from Hamas, which had accused Israel of slowing down the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
So far, since the ceasefire began on January 19, a total of 18 hostages have been freed, with Israel reciprocating by releasing 383 Palestinian prisoners. In the latest round, Israel will release 183 inmates, including:
- 18 prisoners serving life sentences
- 54 prisoners with lengthy sentences
- 111 individuals from Gaza, arrested after the October 7 attack
This will mark the fifth prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas under the current ceasefire terms.
US Approves $7.4 Billion Arms Sale to Israel
Meanwhile, the United States has announced its approval of a $7.4 billion weapons sale to Israel. The deal includes:
- $6.75 billion worth of bombs, guidance kits, and fuses
- $660 million in Hellfire missiles
This decision was confirmed by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), indicating continued military support for Israel.
Trump’s Statement on Gaza
Former US President Donald Trump has commented on a controversial "shock plan" for Gaza, which involves relocating Palestinian residents and placing the US in a strategic role in the region. Trump stated that there is "no rush" to advance the plan, emphasizing that external investments could eventually stabilize the area.
Netanyahu Praises US Support Against ICC
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised US House Speaker Mike Johnson and Donald Trump for their stance against the International Criminal Court (ICC), which Netanyahu called a "scandalous and corrupt organization." The Israeli leader extended an invitation to Speaker Johnson to visit Jerusalem this year.
Israeli Delegation to Travel to Doha for Ceasefire Talks
Amid the ongoing ceasefire discussions, reports suggest that an Israeli delegation will travel to Doha, Qatar on Saturday night to discuss the next phase of the ceasefire and hostage release negotiations. The delegation will depart after the hostage-prisoner exchange scheduled for tomorrow.
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