Israel Awaits Release of Three Hostages as Gaza Ceasefire Hangs in Balance

Hamas and Islamic Jihad agree to free hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, but uncertainty looms over the fragile truce.

Three Israeli hostages, including two held by Hamas and one by Palestinian Islamic Jihad, are expected to be released today as part of a negotiated ceasefire agreement.
In exchange, Israel is set to release 369 Palestinian prisoners, including 36 serving life sentences, as part of ongoing prisoner swaps.
US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum demanding the release of all hostages by Saturday noon, warning of severe consequences if the deadline is missed.
Concerns persist over the health and treatment of hostages, with previously released individuals showing signs of severe physical and emotional distress.
The ceasefire, brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, remains tenuous as both sides accuse each other of violations, raising fears of renewed conflict.