Hamas to release three captives on Saturday

A senior Hamas official stated that the group will release three captives on Saturday.

Speaking to Reuters, the official confirmed that among those to be freed is 'US-Israeli' national Sagi Dekel-Chen.

'Israeli' authorities are awaiting the names of the three captives, set to be released in exchange for Palestinian political prisoners as part of the sixth phase of a prisoner swap. The exchange comes amid rising tensions and mutual threats that could jeopardize the ceasefire agreement.

This development follows reports of successful mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar. Egyptian news channel Extra News reported that both parties have agreed to uphold the truce, which halted a 15-month-long war in Gaza.

However, recent statements from 'Israeli' and US officials have cast uncertainty over the agreement. US President Donald Trump warned of severe consequences if Hamas fails to release all 'Israeli' captives by Saturday.

Meanwhile, 'Israeli' government spokesperson David Menser emphasized that the agreement requires all three captives to be released alive, warning that the ceasefire could collapse if they are not freed by noon on Saturday.