Hamas to deliver hostages early, seeks to showcase victory to Gaza’s people

Hamas has announced that the Izzedin al-Qassam Brigades will hand over four hostages to the Red Cross ahead of the previously agreed timeline.

Israeli security sources suggest that the expedited release, now scheduled for the daytime hours, is tied to a key arrangement in the ceasefire agreement — specifically, the opening of the Salah al-Din road by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) shortly after, Caliber.Az reports referring to Israeli media.

The Salah al-Din road, which connects the northern and southern parts of the Gaza Strip, holds symbolic significance for Hamas. By releasing the hostages during daylight hours, Hamas aims to showcase a victory to the people of Gaza. This gesture, which will be seen as occurring in the light of day rather than in the darkness, is likely designed to strengthen their image.

Hamas spokesperson Abu Ubaida confirmed the release of the hostages via a Telegram post, naming them as Karina Ariyev, Daniela Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albagh. "As part of the exchange agreement with Israel, we decided to release these soldiers on January 25," Abu Ubaida wrote.

The announcement comes as discussions are set to begin in two weeks for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. According to Zaher Jabarin, the head of Hamas’s West Bank cell, the second phase will focus on three key points: the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the establishment of a permanent ceasefire, and a comprehensive exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Jabarin also emphasized that these steps are interconnected, with Hamas insisting that all stages of the agreement be followed through.

Qatar’s Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdel Rahman Al-Thani also expressed support for advancing the second phase of the agreement, noting his plans to discuss the issue further with Israel's Mossad chief, David Barnea, at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The ceasefire between Hamas and Israel began on January 19, with the first group of three hostages released by Palestinian factions on the same evening. Israel, in return, freed 90 Palestinian prisoners.

This ceasefire agreement follows earlier efforts, mediated by Qatar, Cairo, and Washington, to establish terms for the release of hostages and a ceasefire. The first phase of the deal, set to last 42 days, involves the release of 33 Israeli hostages by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.