A ceasefire deal in Gaza is set to result in the release of three female hostages on Sunday, according to two US officials. This release marks the beginning of the agreement, which aims to free a total of 33 hostages, both living and deceased, in multiple phases.
Hamas, the militant group in control of Gaza, announced the upcoming release of the female hostages on Wednesday. The first phase of the agreement will focus on so-called 'humanitarian' cases, including women, older men, and the wounded. Male soldiers or men of fighting age are expected to be released in a subsequent phase.
Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim shared a document on Wednesday outlining the release of three female hostages as part of the initial phase. The ceasefire and hostage deal is scheduled to take effect on January 19 and will be implemented in three phases, each lasting 42 days.
This development brings hope for the families of the hostages and signals a potential easing of tensions in the region. The release of the female hostages is seen as a positive step towards resolving the hostage situation and fostering peace in Gaza.
