Hamas says next hostages will be released on Saturday as scheduled By Reuters

(The story published on January 20 corrects the number of hostages to 33, not more than 90, in point 2)

CAIRO/TEL AVIV (Reuters) – Hamas said on Monday it would take hostages in Gaza on Saturday, after an official with the Palestinian militant group was released.

Hamas will release 33 hostages in the coming weeks as a complex ceasefire deal was struck with Israel this month that could end the 15-month war in Gaza.

The armed group said in a statement that the next batch of hostages would be released next Saturday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and detainees held by Israel.

Earlier, Hamas prisoner media chief Nahed al-Fakuri said the hostages would be released on Sunday.Saturday was expected to release four Israeli hostages, seven days after the ceasefire took effect.

A senior Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, responded to Al-Fakhuri’s statement, telling Reuters by deadline of the release on Saturday.

This month, Israel and Hamas agreed to a three-phase cease-fire that could end the 15-month war in Gaza.

The ceasefire agreement outlines the initial phase of the ceasefire regime and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages taken by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.