Hamas has announced it will release three Israeli hostages on Saturday as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement, following mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is set to host a regional summit to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial Gaza redevelopment plan.

Hostage Release Amid Ceasefire Tensions

The three hostages set to be freed were identified as Sasha Trupanov (Israeli-Russian), Sagui Dekel-Chen (US-Israeli), and Iair Horn (Israeli-Argentine)—all kidnapped from the Nir Oz Kibbutz during Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The announcement comes after Hamas had earlier threatened to halt further releases, accusing Israel of violating ceasefire terms by blocking humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The attack, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and around 250 hostages taken, triggered Israel’s military response, which has since killed over 48,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. After 15 months of conflict, a ceasefire was brokered on January 19, leading to the gradual release of 33 hostages.

Israeli authorities confirmed receiving the names of the three hostages set for release. In exchange, Israel is expected to release 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

International Reactions and Controversy

The Hostages Families Forum welcomed the release as "joyous news." However, previous releases have drawn criticism, particularly after freed hostages were required to speak at Hamas-organized ceremonies. Recently released US-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel described his 484 days of captivity as “unimaginable,” saying he was subjected to starvation and torture.

Saudi Summit on Trump’s Gaza Plan

Amid ongoing tensions, Saudi Arabia is preparing to host a summit on February 20 with leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE to discuss Trump's controversial Gaza redevelopment proposal. The plan reportedly involves relocating Gaza’s two million residents to neighboring countries, an idea widely rejected by Arab nations and international organizations.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to attend. The summit comes ahead of an Arab League meeting in Cairo on February 27. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Arab leaders have criticized the plan as “ethnic cleansing.”

While Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have expressed support for the proposal, Egypt and Jordan have strongly opposed it. Cairo is instead working on a reconstruction plan that would allow Palestinians to remain in Gaza while rebuilding efforts take place.

The situation remains highly volatile, with the ceasefire agreement under strain and international efforts focused on securing a long-term resolution.