A senior Hamas official announced that the group will deliver the names of four hostages to Israeli authorities on Friday, ahead of their planned release on Saturday as part of the ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement.

Speaking to Qatar’s Al-Araby news outlet, Hamas leader Zaher Jabarin stated: “Tomorrow we will give the mediators the names of the four hostages who will be released.”

The exchange is set to involve four women, including both civilians and soldiers.

This follows the first phase of the deal, which included the release of three female hostages earlier this week in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

For every hostage, Israel has agreed to release 50 Palestinian prisoners, including individuals convicted of serious crimes.

Israel has requested details on the status of 30 additional hostages slated for release under the current agreement.

However, reports suggest that Hamas may only provide the total number of living hostages, rather than specifics or names, creating uncertainty about the next steps.

Among those expected to be released is civilian hostage Arbel Yehud. However, as she is believed to be held by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad rather than Hamas, her release remains uncertain. Yehud is one of seven women still awaiting freedom from the original list of 33 hostages.

In addition to domestic efforts, Israel’s ambassador to Russia, Simona Halperin, revealed ongoing talks with Moscow to help secure the release of three hostages, including Sasha Trufanov, who is among those expected to be freed in the first stage of the deal.

Discussions also involve Maxim Herkin and two other hostages without Russian citizenship.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reassured families of released hostages that efforts to bring all captives home would continue.

“We didn’t give up and we won’t give up on the others,” he said during a call with families.

Former defense minister Benny Gantz also expressed his support for the current ceasefire deal while criticizing the government’s broader handling of the conflict.

Gantz pledged his party’s backing to ensure the hostages’ return remains a top priority, despite political tensions.

The ceasefire agreement comes amidst significant international and domestic pressure to address the humanitarian and security challenges in Gaza.