The expected release will keep up the momentum of the fragile ceasefire​ between Israel and the militant Hamas group that paused the 15-monthlong war in Gaza.

Israel and Hamas have initiated the first of several hostage and prisoner exchanges that will take place as part of a ceasefire deal.

Witnessed and recorded by an NBC News crew in Gaza, the fighters' presence at a crossing deemed vital for keeping Hamas from going into the north of Gaza raises big questions about one of Israel’s stated objectives in launching the war: eliminate the militant group behind the worst terrorist attack in Israeli history.

Tel Aviv [Israel], January 30 (ANI): 482 days since being held in captivity by Hamas after the horrific October 7 attack, Israeli hostage Agam Berger, 20, was freed in Gaza early Thursday (local time) as part of the latest prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas.

This marked the second exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners since the ceasefire came into effect

Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa and Naama Levy formed the second group of Israeli hostages to be released under the terms of a ceasefire deal. Flanked by Hamas militants, the four Israeli soldiers smiled and waved from a stage in Gaza City's Palestine Square before being led off to Red Cross.

The names of the four female Israeli soldiers who will be exchanged on Saturday for Palestinian prisoners have been released by Hamas. This is the second of such exchanges that are to run the course of the first two phases of a three-stage ceasefire agreed this month.

Israel confirmed Hamas handed over a list that specified ... Story tips and ideas can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter @GregWehner. Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings ...

Israel accused Hamas of changing the order of hostages ... Send tips to [email protected], or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.

On the eve of his historic return to the White House, Trump helped broker the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel that has allowed many of the Israeli (and American) hostages who were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 to be returned. If the deal holds, more will be released over time.

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