Hamas to Release Three Captives Amid Ceasefire Tensions

Hamas confirmed it will release three captives on Saturday, including one held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad, as part of the prisoner exchange agreement with Israel. The captives are identified as US-Israeli Sagui Dekel-Chen, Russian-Israeli Alexandre Sasha Troufanov, and Argentinian-Israeli Yair Horn. Israel had warned Hamas of renewed hostilities if the captives were not released as agreed. This followed Hamas's threat to delay releases, citing alleged violations of the ceasefire terms by Israel, specifically regarding the entry of shelters and aid into Gaza. The ceasefire, which began on January 19, has faced strain. Mediators have pledged to address Hamas's concerns regarding the entry of humanitarian aid and equipment into Gaza.