Jerusalem, Jan 30 (V7N)— In the third phase of the ongoing ceasefire agreement in Gaza, Israel has agreed to release 110 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 children, on Thursday. In return, Hamas will release eight hostages currently held in Gaza, including five Thai nationals and three Israeli citizens.

According to Hamas, the three Israelis to be released are Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger, and Gadi Moshe Mozes. The names were made public through mediators Qatar and Egypt.

The Times of Israel reported that eight more Thai citizens, one Nepalese, and one Tanzanian national are still being held in Gaza. Two of the Thai hostages, along with the Tanzanian, have died.

One of the Israeli hostages, Arbel Yehud, was initially supposed to be released last Saturday. However, his release was delayed as he was held by another Palestinian faction, Islamic Jihad. Due to his continued captivity, Israel had restricted movement for ordinary Gazans in the northern part of the region.

The ceasefire in Gaza, which took effect on January 19, hinges largely on the release of hostages by Hamas. If all remaining hostages are freed, up to 1,900 Palestinian prisoners could be released.

In the first two phases of the exchange, seven Israeli women were freed in return for 290 Palestinian prisoners. Reports indicate that a fourth round of hostage swaps may take place this weekend.

Despite the ongoing exchanges, Hamas accused Israel on Wednesday of blocking essential humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, which it claims threatens the ceasefire agreement.

According to two senior Hamas officials, Israel has been preventing the entry of fuel, tents, and heavy equipment necessary for reconstruction. Israel has dismissed these accusations as "fake news."

As negotiations continue, mediators Qatar and Egypt are working to ensure the smooth execution of the ceasefire agreement and prevent further escalation in the region.

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