Overview

• 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.