BREAKING: Hamas to return 6 living Hostages, 4 bodies by Shabbat

Al-Qassam Brigades hand over Israeli hostage Keith Siegel to the Red Cross, as part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, in Gaza City, February 1, 2025 — Photo by Ali Hassan/Flash90

Israel Confirms Deal for Release of Six Live Hostages This Shabbat

As part of the deal, the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement for the release of six live hostages this Shabbat, including long-held Israeli civilians Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed. Both men have been imprisoned in Gaza for over a decade, and their release marks a hopeful step in ongoing negotiations.

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This deal follows an earlier arrangement where Israel agreed to allow the entry of hundreds of trailers and heavy construction equipment into Gaza in exchange for the hostages’ release. The equipment is intended to assist Gaza residents whose homes have been destroyed, as well as help clear rubble and restore vital infrastructure.

Hamas reportedly aims to secure the release of 47 Palestinian prisoners, originally freed in the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal, but later re-arrested. The group is said to be prioritizing the release of six living hostages on Saturday to ensure these prisoners are freed as well. Khalil al-Haya, a senior Hamas official, confirmed that Hamas would release four deceased hostages on Thursday and the six who are living on Saturday.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office echoed this, stating that "six living first-stage hostages will be released on Saturday" and that the four deceased hostages will return to Israel on Thursday. Additional bodies from Phase A of the deal will be transferred next Thursday.

Israel has reportedly delayed the entry of trailers and heavy machinery into Gaza to increase pressure on Hamas, with the understanding that this will proceed in a controlled, gradual manner upon Hamas's compliance with the agreement. The deal is part of broader ongoing negotiations, with efforts aimed at extending the agreement through Ramadan and securing the release of more hostages.

As the negotiations unfold, Israeli officials continue to push for the swift return of hostages, while ensuring that the deal’s terms are fully met by Hamas.