Hamas released three hostages in southern Gaza on Saturday as Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners, marking the fourth exchange under the ongoing Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
The first phase of the six-week truce outlines the release of 33 hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. It also includes the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza and an increase in humanitarian aid to the war-torn territory.
Israel and Hamas are scheduled to begin talks next week on a second phase of the ceasefire, which seeks the release of all remaining hostages and a possible extension of the truce. If no agreement is reached, fighting could resume in early March.
Meanwhile, Palestinian health officials in Gaza announced that the Rafah border crossing with Egypt would reopen on Saturday. The move is expected to allow thousands of Palestinians in urgent need of medical treatment to seek care, signaling progress in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
