Part 10/13:
In a surprising development, Hamas announced that it would release six living hostages this Saturday—double the initial estimate—comprising primarily women and minors under 19. This move follows the first phase of a ceasefire, during which Hamas released 33 hostages in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Currently, about 73 hostages remain in Gaza, including soldiers, civilians, and foreign nationals.
Negotiations for a broader, more permanent ceasefire and the release of all remaining captives are ongoing. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized that Israel would not accept the continued presence of Hamas or any terrorist organization in Gaza, and the prospects for an extended ceasefire depend on substantive progress toward a final agreement.