Hamas ‘confirms’ next hostage release for Saturday

Hamas has reportedly confirmed that it will be releasing hostages on Saturday following last-minute negotiations.

The terror group had previously claimed that it was delaying all releases “until further notice”, citing alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.

Tensions have been ratcheting in the region following the announcement, with Israeli officials promising the return to “intense fighting” in Gaza if no hostages emerged as scheduled this weekend.

But new reports from Saudi outlet Asharq News state that Hamas has told Egyptian mediators that the next release will be going ahead.

Three hostages are expected to be returned to Israel, with their names set to be revealed in the coming days.

This is reportedly contingent on Israel supplying caravans, tents, fuel, heavy equipment, medicines and hospital renovation materials to Gaza.

Egyptian sources previously informed Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that Hamas agreed with Egyptian mediators to continue the hostage release arrangement in exchange for these supplies, which were expected to enter Gaza on Thursday.

The announcement follows US President Trump’s ultimatum demanding that Hamas release all the remaining captives by noon on Saturday or risk “hell breaking loose”.

But Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri said on Al Jazeera that, while the group is committed to the agreed schedule, not all the hostages would be released on Saturday.

In return, Israel has reportedly agreed not to withdraw from the ceasefire agreement and resume fighting in Gaza, as long as the three captives are transferred.

However, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is reported to be reticent to progress negotiations on phase two of the deal.

Far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich has previously pledged to resign and collapse Netanyahu’s governing coalition if Israel agrees to move into phase two and doesn’t restart the war.