Hamas has provided Israel with a list of 33 hostages set to be released during the six-week ceasefire, but eight of those individuals are no longer alive, government spokesperson David Mencer announced today.
“The families have been informed of the situation of their relatives,” Mencer stated.
The list was delivered to Israel last night, marking the end of the first week of the ceasefire. Out of the 33 names, 25 hostages are still alive. Seven women have already been released, leaving just 18 living hostages from this list expected to be freed in the coming weeks.
The next release of hostages is scheduled for Thursday, with an additional group to follow on Shabbos. Among those expected to gain their freedom this week is Israeli civilian Arbel Yehud. Her release was delayed after Hamas violated the agreement by prioritizing the release of four IDF lookouts instead.
At least 34 other hostages who remain in Gaza are presumed dead.
The release of these 33 hostages is part of the first stage of a ceasefire deal brokered with Hamas approximately ten days ago. Discussions for the second stage of the agreement, the second of three planned phases, are set to commence in February. Both Israel and the United States are striving to ensure that all 87 hostages still held in Gaza are liberated by the conclusion of the second or third phase of the deal.
{Matzav.com Israel}
