Hamas to release six Israeli hostages on February 22 in Gaza ceasefire deal

Hamas announced it will release six living Israeli hostages on February 22, 2025. This marks the final release of hostages under the first phase of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Previously, three hostages were expected to be freed on the same date. Negotiations for a second phase, involving more hostages and a lasting ceasefire, have not yet begun. The hostages' release is part of a deal that has seen hundreds of Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel.