Hamas to Release Three More Hostages in Gaza This Saturday

In a significant development tied to the ongoing ceasefire agreement in Gaza, Hamas is expected to release three more hostages on Saturday, February 8. These individuals have been held captive by the terrorist organization since October 7, 2023. The names of the hostages are expected to be revealed around 4:00 PM on February 7.

This upcoming release will mark the fifth group of hostages freed as part of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal that went into effect on January 19, 2025. To date, 18 hostages have been returned to Israel under the agreement—13 Israeli citizens and five Thai nationals.

The Prisoner Exchange Process

On February 6, the Israeli government approved the latest list of Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange for the hostages. However, last-minute changes were made to the list, excluding three prisoners, including the convicted terrorist and rapist Muhammad Atallah. Instead, another prisoner with the same name will be released in his place, as reported by Israel Hayom.

Pressure for the Return of Shiri Bibas and Her Sons

Israeli authorities have been applying intense pressure on mediators to secure the return of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir. Hamas has repeatedly claimed that the Bibas family did not survive and, earlier this week, requested access to heavy excavation equipment to recover their bodies from the rubble. Shiri’s husband and the children’s father, Yarden Bibas, was released from captivity last Saturday.

A Broader Agreement in Motion

As part of the initial phase of the deal, Israel is expected to release up to 1,904 Palestinian prisoners. This includes 737 individuals serving life sentences or extended prison terms. In return, Hamas has committed to releasing 33 Israeli hostages, 25 of whom are believed to be alive.

The international community is closely monitoring the progress of this exchange, which could have far-reaching implications for the fragile ceasefire and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. With each new group of hostages freed, hope continues to rise for the safe return of all captives.

Stay tuned to News of Israel for further updates on this developing story.