Five Israeli Soldiers to Be Released from Gaza

A senior U.S. official announced that five Israeli female soldiers will be released from Gaza on Sunday, coinciding with the start of a planned ceasefire, as part of a deal mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt. The agreement also includes the release of two American citizens, Keith Siegel and Sagie Dekel-Chen, during the initial phase. In exchange, Israel will release a number of Palestinian prisoners, with specific ratios depending on the type of hostages freed. The first phase is expected to last 42 days and may involve the release of 33 hostages, though details of subsequent phases remain uncertain and have raised concerns among families of those still held. The deal is a culmination of extensive diplomatic efforts and is seen as a means to secure the return of all hostages, including American citizens. The negotiations have also highlighted the complexities involved in ensuring the safety and release of remaining captives.