The Hamas militant group says it will release Israeli hostages as planned, apparently resolving a major dispute that has threatened the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas said on Thursday that Egyptian and Qatari mediators have affirmed that they will work to “remove all hurdles”, and that the group will implement the ceasefire deal.
The statement indicated three more Israeli hostages would be freed on Saturday.
Palestinians walk past a pile of burning rubbish in Gaza City (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)
That would allow the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to continue for now, but its future remains in doubt.
Hamas had threatened to delay the next release of Israeli hostages, accusing Israel of failing to meet its obligations to allow in tents and shelters, among other alleged violations of the truce.
Israel, with the support of US President Donald Trump, had threatened to renew its offensive if hostages were not freed.
There was no immediate comment from Israel after Hamas’ announcement.