Hamas announced on Thursday that they are prepared to release Israeli hostages this weekend as part of the cease-fire agreement in Gaza. Despite earlier concerns about the stability of the cease-fire, this development has brought some cautious optimism regarding its future.

Mahmoud Mardawi, a representative from Hamas, communicated via text that the planned exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners is scheduled for Saturday, contingent on Israel fulfilling its commitments to the accord. He indicated that mediators have conveyed Israel’s intention to adhere to the agreement.

Israel has not yet responded to Hamas’ assertions regarding diplomatic progress. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, was reportedly in discussions with security officials in southern Israel as of Thursday afternoon.

The cease-fire, aimed at bringing an end to over a year of intense conflict, is being mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. Within the initial six weeks of the truce, Hamas agreed to release at least 33 hostages in exchange for more than 1,500 Palestinian detainees held by Israel. Since the truce began in late January, at least 21 hostages and 766 Palestinian prisoners have been released.

However, tensions escalated this week when Hamas declared it would halt the next hostage release indefinitely, citing alleged violations of the cease-fire terms by Israel. In response, Netanyahu warned that if hostages are not released by noon on Saturday, Israel would resume military operations with the aim of decisively defeating Hamas.

Further complicating the situation, President Trump has demanded the release of all remaining hostages by Saturday, threatening severe repercussions if this does not occur. His statement seemingly contradicts the cease-fire agreement facilitated by his envoy, which outlines a methodical release process for hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

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