New Delhi: In a much-awaited move, Hamas on Friday published the names of three hostages that would be released on Saturday as part of the established ceasefire deal between the militant group and Israel. Out of the three hostages, one is an American citizen as well.

Israel confirmed it had received three names from Qatari and Egyptian mediators which include Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36, the American Israeli dual national, Sasha Alexander Troufanov, 29 and Iair Horn, 46. All three were residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz, from where they were taken by Hamas militants during the October 7, 2023, attack.

The Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal came into existence after long-term negotiations, mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt. The ceasefire will take place over three phases, each lasting six weeks. During the first phase, Hamas will release thirty-three hostages and Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and start withdrawal from some areas. In the second phase, Hamas is to free the remaining male hostages while Israel withdraws from Gaza. The third phase would include the return of deceased........

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