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Hel-Hell al-Hayya, leader of Hamas in Gaza. Photo: Khalil Hamra/AP/TT
Six people held hostage in Gaza will be released on Saturday, says Khalil al-Hayya, leader of Hamas in Gaza.
The six people are the last living hostages that will be released during the first phase of the ceasefire, according to Khalil al-Hayya. Previously, it was believed that three people would be released on Saturday.
On Thursday, four dead Israeli hostages will also be handed over.
According to the agreement on the first phase of the ceasefire, which lasts for six weeks from January 19, a total of 33 people held hostage in Gaza will be released during the period.
The release is made in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
When phase one is over, another 60 Israeli hostage should remain with Hamas. The idea is that they will be released in a new phase of the ceasefire, but the conditions for that phase are not negotiated.