Hamas has announced its intention to release four hostages on Saturday as part of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. These are soldiers Karina Aryeh, Daniela Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag.

Their release will take place in exchange for the release of 180 Palestinian prisoners by Israeli authorities. This marks the second exchange since the ceasefire began last Sunday, during which three hostages and 90 Palestinian prisoners were freed.

As part of the agreement, Hamas is expected to provide information about the remaining 26 hostages scheduled to be released over the next five weeks.

Among the Palestinian prisoners set to be released this time, some have committed murders, and others are serving sentences exceeding 15 years. However, Israel has stated that none of those involved in the October 7 attacks will be freed.

The ceasefire agreement was reached after months of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. Its implementation will occur in three phases, with the second phase set to begin six weeks after the ceasefire’s commencement. In the first phase, 1,900 Palestinian prisoners are to be released in exchange for 33 hostages. Simultaneously, Israeli forces will begin withdrawing from positions in Gaza, allowing hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to their homes.