Hamas plans to release four Israeli soldiers in exchange for 200 Palestinian detainees on Saturday under a ceasefire agreement to pause the Gaza conflict.
The Palestinian group Hamas is expected to release four Israeli soldiers on Saturday in exchange for a group of Palestinian detainees as part of a ceasefire agreement aimed at halting the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The four soldiers – Karina Ariev, Daniela Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag – were stationed at an observation post near Gaza on October 7, 2023.
Hamas' media office reported that 200 Palestinian detainees are expected to be released as part of Saturday's exchange, including 120 serving life sentences and 80 with long-term sentences. This would mark the second exchange since the ceasefire began on Sunday, during which three Israeli civilians were released in exchange for 90 Palestinian detainees.
On Friday, Hamas identified the four hostages set for release, though Israeli officials have not made an official statement.
The ceasefire, facilitated through negotiations brokered by Qatar and Egypt with support from the United States, represents the first pause in hostilities since a brief truce in November 2023.
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