Hamas sends list of hostages set to be released as truce extension kicks in

Israel has received a list with the names of the Israeli hostages the Hamas terrorists have agreed to release from captivity, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on Tuesday in a first official confirmation of the four-day truce extension.

The agreement between Hamas and Israel was set to end on Monday but was extended by two days in return for the release of 20 additional Israeli hostages (10 each day), according to statements by mediators, the United States and Qatar on Monday evening.

“The list of the abductees who will be released tomorrow has been received. The list is currently being reviewed. Notices are being delivered at this time to families,” the PMO announced on Tuesday morning.

IDF spokesman Brig.-Gen. Daniel Hagari initially said on Monday evening that the extension wasn’t finalized yet.

“We are managing a deal through mediators around the clock. Nothing is final until it actually happens. Things are progressing, tonight as well, but patience is required.”

Later on Monday evening, the Israeli Justice Ministry published a list of 50 female Palestinian prisoners that are set to be released as part of the extended deal, among the prominent Palestinian activist Ahed Tamimi.

Tamimi was arrested three weeks ago for a threatening and inciting social media post: “We will slaughter you and you will say that what Hitler did to you was a joke, we will drink your blood and eat your skulls. Come on, we’re waiting for you.”

As the daughter of the Tamimi family in the West Bank, several of whose members are well-known for anti-Israeli activism as well as support and participation in terror, Ahed reached worldwide fame when she was filmed slapping an Israeli soldier at 16 years old.

At the time, Tamimi entered a plea deal, admitting to aggravated assault of an IDF soldier, incitement to violence, and disrupting soldiers on two other occasions. She served eight months in an Israeli prison, before being released and going on a victory tour around the world.

The White House, Qatar and Hamas each confirmed the extension of the truce deal on Monday evening. A Hamas spokesman said the pause in fighting would continue “with the same conditions as the previous truce.”

Since the deal began last Friday, the Hamas terrorists have released 50 Israeli hostages in return for the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners. In addition, seven Thai citizens, one Filipino and one dual-Russian-Israeli national were also released as a result of Hamas' separate agreements with Russia and Thailand.