Hamas has announced the names of three hostages who are scheduled to be released on Saturday as part of a prisoner exchange deal with Israel. This development comes after days of uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire’s future.

The individuals set for release include Alexander Troufanov, a Russian-Israeli, Yair Horn, an Argentine-Israeli, and Sagui Dekel-Chen, a US-Israeli citizen.

Israeli officials have stated that military operations will resume if the trio is not released as planned. This statement followed Hamas’s announcement of a delay in the hostages’ release due to alleged violations of the ceasefire by Israel.

President Trump has indicated that the ceasefire should be reconsidered if Hamas fails to return all hostages in Gaza by midday on Saturday.

Since the ceasefire took effect on January 19, a total of 16 Israeli and five Thai hostages have been released in return for 566 Palestinian prisoners. During the initial six weeks of the ceasefire, it is expected that 33 hostages will be exchanged for roughly 1,900 Palestinians detained in Israel.

The ongoing conflict began with Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 251 hostages.

Since that attack, the Israeli military offensive in Gaza has reportedly claimed more than 48,230 lives, according to the health ministry controlled by Hamas.

Currently, there are 73 hostages taken on October 7 still held in Gaza, in addition to three other Israeli detainees—one of whom is deceased—who have been in captivity for over ten years.

Alexander Troufanov (29), Yair Horn (46), and Sagui Dekel-Chen (36) were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, located near the Gaza border.

The ceasefire has faced numerous challenges since its initiation, with both sides accusing each other of breaching its terms. Intense diplomatic efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar have been crucial in maintaining the fragile truce.

Israel has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the manner of the hostages’ release, which has involved public displays alongside armed militants and chaotic transfers to the Red Cross.

On the other hand, Hamas alleges that Israel is hindering the necessary supplies, such as tents and humanitarian aid trucks, that should be allowed entry to Gaza as part of the ceasefire agreement.