But after intense efforts by Egyptian and Qatari mediators to keep last month's US-backed agreement on track, Hamas said on Thursday it would go ahead with the planned release of hostages this weekend.A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel accepted the list.
In its first stage, which will last 42 days, Hamas is meant to free 33 Israeli hostages taken during its attack on 7 October 2023.
Last week, the release of three Israeli men gave rise to concerns about their gaunt appearance, and what that said about the conditions they had been kept in during 16 months in captivity.
The three hostages due to be released by Hamas on Saturday as part of its ceasefire deal with Israel have been named.
Hamas said Israel was expected to release 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in exchange.
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