Hamas on Saturday is expected to release a fifth prisoner-hostage swap held in Gaza since October 2023 in exchange for Israel’s release of Palestinian detainees under the first phase of a fragile ceasefire deal.
It comes as US President Donald Trump’s proposal to displace Gazans raised doubts over the future of the multiphase deal. Follow our live blog for all the latest developments on the Middle East.
Key Highlights from this mornings prisoners exchange
- Hamas are voicing their concerns about Trump’s proposal to take over Gaza.
- Hamas are set to free three more Israeli prisoners, all Israeli civilian men, on Saturday. The prisoners to be released are: Eli Sharabi, 52; Ohad Ben Ami, 56; and Or Levy, 34.
- The 183 Palestinian hostages to be released by Israel include 18 people serving life sentences for allegedly committing deadly attacks, 54 serving long-term sentences and 111 Palestinians children and teenagers from Gaza who were kidnapped in the middle of the night after the October 7 attack.
- The handover of the three Israeli prisoners of wars is expected to start at 10am local time (8am London time) in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, according to Israeli media reports. Red Cross officials in Gaza will receive the hostages from Hamas.
Hamas, Israel set for fifth prisoner-hostage swap
Taiwan eyes defence spending hike to counter China pressure
News Team
Cliff Notes – Taiwan eyes defence spending hike to counter China pressure Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te announced a plan to invest an extra $40 billion
