Three Israeli men named as latest to be freed in hostage release

Israeli captives are escorted by Hamas fighters before being handed over to the Red Cross (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

The families of Israeli hostages still held by the Hamas militant group have welcomed the “joyous news” that three men, all taken from the same kibbutz on October 7, 2023, are expected to be freed on Saturday.

Hamas-led militants released the names of the male hostages in the latest indication that the fragile ceasefire deal that had teetered in recent days will hold.