• Mou Mou
• 31 Jan, 2025

Hamas has announced that three Israeli hostages - Ofer Calderon, Keith Siegel and Yarden Bibas will be released on Saturday as part of a hostage - prisoner exchange under the ongoing Gaza ceasefire.

Context

The announcement was made by Hamas’s armed wing with spokesperson Abu Obeida sharing the names on Telegram. However, Israeli officials have yet to verify them.

Since the ceasefire took effect on January 19th, Hamas has released 15 hostages. This latest release marks the fourth exchange under the agreement.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed receiving the names of the hostages set for release. “All hostage families have been informed by IDF liaison officers” said a statement from the Prime Minister’s office.

Additional Information

- The prisoner swap is part of ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

- Hamas is expected to release hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners.

- The ceasefire remains fragile with tensions still high in the region.

Read more: Israel Targets Hezbollah Positions in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley

Impact Analysis

This latest exchange is a key step in ongoing peace efforts but the situation remains tense. International observers continue to monitor the ceasefire urging both sides to maintain stability.