Hamas has declared it will free three more hostages on Saturday as part of the Gaza truce deal with Israel. Among those planned to be released are Israeli-American citizen Sagui Dekel-Chen, along with Israeli national Iair Horn and Russian-Israeli Alexandre Sasha Troufanov.
The declaration follows the speculation over whether the fragile agreement would hold, with Israel alerted that it would restart strikes if the hostages were not discharged on time. Hamas had previously stated that it was rescheduling the discharge in response to alleged Israeli violations of the truce agreement, intensifying tensions between the two sides.
In response, US President Donald Trump said the truce should be discarded if Hamas did not discharge all the hostages captured in Gaza by midday on Saturday.
“As far as I’m concerned, if all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 o’clock, I think it’s an appropriate time, I would say, cancel it and all bets are off and let hell break out,” Trump said.
The ongoing truce, mediated by Egyptian and Qatari negotiators with US support, has already led to the discharge of 16 Israeli and five Thai hostages in exchange for 566 Palestinian prisoners. The first six week period of the ceasefire estimated that a total of 33 hostages will be released in barter for approximately 1,900.
The deal also includes a 42-day truce, during which Israeli forces are anticipated to retreat from certain positions in Gaza. The ceasefire is meant to serve as a platform for further negotiations with an objective to secure the discharge of remaining hostages, conclude the retreat of Israeli forces, and begin the redevelopment of Gaza, which has faced widespread devastation.
However, ambiguity enclosing the truce deepened after Trump recommended permanently relocating Palestinians out of Gaza and giving control of the enclave to the United States for redevelopment. His remarks further heightened tensions in turbulent conditions, as Gaza remains in fragments following 15 months of conflict.
The war was initiated when Hamas-led gunmen launched a strike on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, murdering around 1,200 people and holding more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli authorities.
In retaliation, Israel embarked on a military offensive that led to the deaths of over 48,000 Palestinians, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The ruthless attacks and ground operations have traumatised Gaza, leaving most of its population displaced and increasing concerns about the long-term humanitarian crisis in the region.
