TEL AVIV, Israel — Hamas has announced the release of three hostages, including an American and a Russian, set to take place on Saturday. This decision helps prevent a potential collapse of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Originally, Hamas indicated a delay in releasing the hostages, citing alleged ceasefire breaches by Israel, which Israel strongly denied.

The three individuals announced for release are Sagui Dekel-Chen, a 36-year-old dual citizen of the U.S. and Israel; Alexander Trupanov, a 29-year-old who holds both Russian and Israeli citizenship; and 46-year-old Yair Horn, an Israeli citizen, as confirmed by statements from both Hamas and Israeli officials.

In return for the hostages, Hamas expects Israel to release 36 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences for violent attacks against Israelis on the same day. Additionally, Hamas claims that 333 Palestinians apprehended in Israeli operations during the ongoing conflict are to be sent back to Gaza.

While the hostages’ families express relief, concerns persist for the remaining 76 hostages believed to still be in Gaza, with Israeli officials estimating that about half of them may no longer be alive.

Keith Siegel, a dual American-Israeli who was released earlier this month, shared harrowing experiences during his captivity, including mistreatment and lack of essentials such as water and sunlight, especially during the height of the Gaza conflict. In a video message, he stated, “I was held for 484 days in unimaginable conditions, and every single day felt like it could be my last.” He expressed gratitude toward President Trump for his release, claiming, “President Trump, you are the reason I am home alive. Your leadership and strength will ensure the agreement is honored by all sides.”

Hamas’s Threat of Delay in Hostage Release

Previously, Hamas had suggested a postponement of the hostage release this week, asserting that Israel failed to secure sufficient temporary housing for displaced Palestinians and allegedly fired upon areas in Gaza. In response, Israel contended Hamas was breaching the ceasefire by implying a delay, raising concerns that the conflict might reignite.

Adding to the tension, Trump asserted that all Israeli hostages held in Gaza must be freed by noon Saturday, otherwise the ceasefire would be jeopardized. His declaration of potential aggressive actions against Hamas has further strained relations, especially following his proposal for the U.S. to take control of Gaza and facilitate the relocation of its inhabitants to neighboring territories.

Efforts by mediators from Egypt and Qatar in recent days have aimed to resolve disputes between Israel and Hamas, preventing a return to hostilities that have inflicted severe casualties and destruction in Gaza for over 15 months. Hamas indicated that discussions have been “positive” and reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire.

Uncertainties Surrounding the Future of the Ceasefire Agreement

An official closely involved, who chose to remain anonymous, informed NPR that Israel is advocating for the release of more hostages in the upcoming days. However, negotiations over the specifics of the next phase of the ceasefire have yet to commence, despite being scheduled to start over a week ago as part of the ceasefire framework.

Since the initiation of the ceasefire last month, there have been five rounds of exchanges, resulting in the release of 16 Israeli hostages and over 670 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Additionally, five Thai hostages who were employed in agricultural roles in Israel at the time of their abduction were also released, independent of the formal agreement.

Hamas has committed to freeing a total of 33 Israeli hostages in return for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees by the conclusion of the initial ceasefire phase on March 2.

As the ceasefire began, thousands of Palestinians returned to northern Gaza, traversing on foot to assess their homes, some of which were devastated during the fighting. According to health officials in Gaza, the conflict has claimed more than 47,000 Palestinian lives.

This conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when militants from Hamas and allied factions breached the Israeli border, leading to approximately 1,200 fatalities and over 250 individuals taken hostage, according to Israeli government sources.

Contributions to this report were made by Yanal Jabarin in Jerusalem, Abu Bakr Bashir in London, and Ahmed Abuhamda in Cairo.