Hamas Releases Names Of 4 Hostages Slated For Release On Saturday: Reports

The Hamas militant group has reportedly announced plans to release four more hostages on Saturday, as part of the ongoing ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The hostages are set to be freed in exchange for the release of dozens of Palestinians imprisoned or detained by Israel. Hamas has also released the names of the four hostages, who are likely to be released on Saturday.

Israel reportedly confirmed receiving the list of hostages. According to foreign media reports, the hostages are identified as soldiers Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag. They will be freed in exchange for 180 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel in this second exchange.

The first phase of the ceasefire agreement involves the gradual release of 33 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. On Sunday, the first three Israeli hostages were freed in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners. This ceasefire has paused the ongoing 15-month war that devastated Gaza, where over 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health authorities, who report that more than half of the casualties are women and children. The latest development comes as a fragile six-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas entered its sixth day.

Notably, relatives of hostages still being held in Gaza are urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump to ensure the safe release of all remaining captives. Ayelet Samerano, whose son Yonatan Samerano is among those still being held, appealed to Trump, saying, "We still have 94 hostages, we need them all at home. Please continue to press and do everything so that all the 94 hostages will come home immediately."

Israel believes that around a third, or possibly as many as half, of the more than 90 hostages still in Gaza have died. However, Hamas has not released definitive information on the number of captives still alive or the names of those who have died.

The first phase of the ceasefire deal involves the gradual release of 33 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The situation remains tense, with civilians in Gaza facing an uncertain wait to return to their homes in the battered north. The news agency AP has confirmed the reports. 

Further details are being awaited.