ALBAWABA - Arbel Yehoud and 2 other hostages are expected to be released by Hamas on Thursday, meanwhile, the Israeli government will be freeing 110 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
Al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Obaida confirmed via Telegram that Israeli hostages; Arbel Yehoud, Agam Berger and Gadi Moses will be handed over by Hamas today in exchange for the release of over 100 Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas and Israel agreed on Jan. 15 on a ceasefire deal in Gaza ending over 15 months of war under three stages. During the first phase, Hamas will release 33 hostages it captured on Oct. 7, 2023, while Tel Aviv agreed to release about 2,000 Palestinians from Israeli jails and allow the entry of more aid into Gaza.
Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's envoy to the Middle East, made a short visit to the Gaza Strip on Wednesday to see the implementation of the agreement and the prisoner exchange, hours after arriving in Israel on his private plane early this morning from Saudi Arabia, according to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority.
Witkoff also reaffirmed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the need to begin negotiations with Hamas and mediators on the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, and to ensure its completion in its three stages.
