Israel and Hamas in talks to double the number of hostages released this weekend
Israel is preparing to receive 6 hostages Saturday as well as the bodies of deceased captives from Gaza on Thursday, a source briefed on the talks told NBC News.
JERUSALEM — Israel is preparing to receive six hostages Saturday, in addition to a number of captives' bodies to be delivered from Gaza on Thursday, a source briefed on the talks told NBC News on Monday.
Talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt are ongoing, said the source, who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, and would involve Israel sending in a number of temporary housing structures into the besieged Palestinian enclave.
That would be more than the number of Israeli hostages that have been released every Saturday since the ceasefire was agreed on Jan. 19. So far, Hamas has sent the names of those to be released on the Friday before the exchange, which has also involved the freeing of dozens of Palestinian detainees and prisoners.
The source said there were also discussions about handing over the bodies of deceased hostages on Thursday.
People await the return of Israeli hostages at Sheba hospital in Ramat Gan, Israel on Saturday.Sharon Eilon / SOPA/LightRocket via Getty ImagesSix live hostages and eight dead ones remain out of the 33 due to be released in the first phase of the three-part ceasefire deal Hamas and Israel agreed to on Jan. 19.
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