Exact date next Israeli hostages will be released by Hamas is confirmed in next step of Gaza ceasefire deal
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THE exact date that the next batch of Israeli hostages will be freed has been confirmed by Hamas. The next step of the Gaza ceasefire deal will see more captives being released in just a few days, bringing a glimmer of hope to families anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones.
![[Hamas fighters in military parade.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/palestinian-fighters-armed-wing-hamas-927587364_b04b3b.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The confirmation follows earlier confusion after a Hamas spokesperson suggested the release would be delayed by a day. But the terror group's official statement now affirms that four hostages will walk free this coming Saturday, January 25, with the next releases occurring each week for the following four weeks.
![[Al-Qassam Brigades members hand over an Israeli hostage to the Red Cross.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/al-qassam-brigades-hands-3-964993558.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
A total of 33 hostages, including 12 women and children, 10 men over 50, and 11 younger men, will be freed in a phased operation that culminates in the return of 14 hostages after six weeks. The first phase of the ceasefire deal, which was approved by Israel's security cabinet after intense deliberations, saw brave Brit hostage Emily Damari and two more women released on Sunday.
![[A released hostage embracing her family.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/upi-alamy-live-news-alamy-965061884.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Emily lost two fingers after being shot by Hamas during the October 7 attack on her kibbutz, Kfar Aza, where she was ambushed. Her long-awaited release comes as the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas holds after months of relentless warfare. The truce was nearly derailed in the final hours of negotiations, but hostages were exchanged as part of the deal, marking the first step toward a tenuous pause in hostilities.
![[Released hostages greeted by Israeli soldiers.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2023-attack-following-release-part-965028558_536c76.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
