Hamas signals readiness to release 20 Israeli hostages — The Wall Street Journal

Hamas, through Arab intermediaries, has informed Israel that it is holding 20 Israeli hostages alive and is prepared to begin their release as early as today, October 12, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel is ready to “immediately receive all hostages.”

During a conversation with the coordinator for prisoners and missing persons, Gal Hirsch, the Prime Minister stated: “Israel is prepared for the immediate reception of all hostages.”

Earlier reports indicated that the return of hostages under the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement was expected on October 13. Confirmation of both sides’ readiness for the exchange marks a key step toward implementing the ceasefire and prisoner release arrangements.

By Khagan Isayev