Hamas to Free Eight Hostages as Cease-Fire Continues in Gaza

In a significant development during the six-week cease-fire, Hamas is set to release eight hostages, including three Israelis, as part of a larger agreement aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza.

Hamas announced on Wednesday that it would release eight hostages—three Israelis and five Thai nationals—on Thursday. This marks a pivotal moment in the fragile cease-fire that has held for two weeks, allowing Israel and Hamas to engage in negotiations towards a more lasting peace. The hostages set to be freed include Gadi Moses, 80; Arbel Yehud, 29; and Agam Berger, 20. Hamas confirmed the release of these Israeli citizens, but the names of the Thai hostages remain undisclosed.

As part of the cease-fire terms, Israel is expected to release over 100 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for these hostages. Among those prisoners are approximately 30 individuals serving life sentences for their roles in attacks against Israelis. The upcoming release will be the third since the start of the truce, and is a component of a multiphase agreement brokered by mediators who hope to conclude the ongoing war in Gaza.

Gazan health officials have reported that the recent military campaign against Hamas has resulted in over 45,000 deaths, with little distinction made between civilians and fighters. Under the initial 42-day cease-fire, Hamas committed to releasing a minimum of 33 additional hostages in a deal that also involves a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of more than 1,500 Palestinian prisoners. The situation has been delicate; for instance, a delay in releasing Ms. Yehud led Israel to postpone the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza until her release could be assured. Mediators intervened successfully, leading to confirmation of her liberation and easing the path for those individuals displaced by the conflict.