Hamas to release names of hostages as ceasefire deal gains approval
Photo: Israel to receive names of first hostages to be released on January 18 (Getty Images)
The Israeli government today approved a ceasefire agreement signed with Hamas regarding Gaza and the release of hostages. On the same day, January 18, Israel is set to receive the names of the first three hostages to be freed, according to The Times of Israel.
In the report, it is noted that Hamas will transfer the names of the hostages to Qatar, which will then inform Mossad chief David Barnea. Barnea is expected to deliver this information to the families.
The Kan report also suggests that the first hostages to be released are likely to be civilian women rather than the five female soldiers currently held captive.
The agreement between Israel and Hamas
On Thursday, January 16, in Doha, negotiators officially signed an agreement for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the release of hostages.
The next day, on Friday, a group of 33 Israeli ministers approved the agreement following a recommendation issued earlier that day by the security cabinet. The agreement will come into effect tomorrow, January 19, as opponents of the decision have 24 hours to file an appeal with the Supreme Court.
Previously, it was reported that active pressure from US President-elect Donald Trump served as a catalyst for the agreement. It represented a difficult compromise for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Read more about Trump’s role, how the truce may proceed, and the potential risks in RBC-Ukraine’s detailed analysis.
