Hamas, the Palestinian militant organization, has announced plans to release additional Israeli hostages on Saturday, as part of an ongoing ceasefire agreement with Israel.

This development follows a series of negotiations facilitated by international mediators, including Egypt and Qatar.

According to a report by Reuters, the truce, which began on Friday, includes provisions for the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel.

The initial phase of the agreement saw the release of several hostages, with more expected to be freed in the coming days.

The New York Times reports that the ceasefire and hostage release are part of a broader effort to de-escalate tensions in the region following a recent surge in violence.

The agreement also allows for the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, addressing critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.

While the exact number of hostages to be released on Saturday has not been officially confirmed, sources familiar with the negotiations suggest that it could involve several individuals.

The situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated as both parties navigate the complexities of the ceasefire agreement.

This latest move by Hamas is seen as a significant step towards reducing hostilities and potentially paving the way for more comprehensive peace talks in the future.

However, analysts caution that the situation remains fragile, and sustained efforts will be required to achieve long-term stability in the region.