Hamas has released three more Israeli hostages as part of a fragile ceasefire agreement with Israel, marking the fifth exchange since the truce took effect last month.
The freed hostages include Eli Sharabi, 52, and Ohad Ben Ami, 56, who were taken from Kibbutz Beeri, and Or Levy, 34, who was abducted from the Nova music festival during the October 7 attack on Israel.
In return, Israel is set to release 183 Palestinian prisoners later on Saturday, continuing the phased exchange process. Under the terms of the six-week ceasefire, Hamas is expected to gradually free 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees. So far, 13 Israeli hostages and five Thai workers abducted during the Hamas attack have been released, while Israel has freed around 600 Palestinian prisoners.
Meanwhile, according to Voice of America, U.S. President Donald Trump sparked controversy with a proposal to clear Gaza of its Palestinian inhabitants and transfer the territory to U.S. ownership.
Speaking at the White House on Friday before meeting Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Trump likened the plan to a real estate transaction but did not provide a timeline.
He claimed his idea had been “very well received” and insisted that U.S. troops would not be needed in the region, as Israel would handle security.