World
Hamas to Release Three Hostages on Saturday
Israel confirmed on Friday that Hamas will release three more hostages on Saturday. This follows several waves of releases in recent weeks as part of an ongoing effort to secure the release of all remaining hostages taken during the recent conflict.
The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the information but did not release the identities of the hostages. However, Israeli media outlets reported that Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy, three male hostages, are slated to be freed.
Brig.-Gen. (Res.)
Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Persons, returned to Israel from Gaza Friday morning to oversee the release. These latest releases signal progress in tense negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Meanwhile, the focus shifted from hostage negotiations towards other critical aspects of the post-conflict landscape. Neither Israeli Prime Minister nor US Republican Speaker of the House addressed President Donald Trump’s claim regarding reconstruction of Gaza when they addressed a joint press conference. Instead, both leaders focused on their commitment to the strong alliance between the US and Israel.
Additionally, reports emerged indicating potential diplomatic pressure mounting on US President Donald Trump’s sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Seventy-nine countries, representing a majority of the court’s membership, warned Friday that such sanctions could risk impunity for serious crimes and damage international rule of law. According to the joint statement, the sanctions could undermine ongoing investigations forcing the court to shut down its field offices. The ICC recently initiated investigations regarding alleged war crimes committed during conflicts involving Israel. The situation is highly sensitive given the ongoing hostage crisis.
Locally, Israeli defense forces bolstered security measures around the Gaza border, deploying additional troops in various strategic locations along the western Negev. Command officials conducted evaluations, ensuring a strong defensive posture in anticipation of potential future escalation. Furthermore, CENTCOM Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla traveled to Israel on Wednesday for security assessments. Together, Kurilla and IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, deliberated upon regional threats and preparedness strategies with senior Israeli officials. Discussions addressed various scenarios aiming to strengthen defenses in the region. A delegation heading to Doha for further negotiations over hostages adds to a rapidly evolving diplomatic landscape. Family members of remaining hostages have received notifications regarding this further round of talks, hinting at ongoing efforts towards securing everyone’s safe return. Additionally, negotiations between the US and Lebanese government regarding the withdrawal from Southern Lebanon concluded.
