Hamas has published the names of three hostages held in the Gaza Strip who are to be released on Saturday, including one man who is a dual US national.
The announcement on Friday allayed concerns that the ceasefire negotiated between Israel and the militant Islamist movement could break down.
Hamas had threatened to suspend the hostage releases, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had in return warned of a resumption of hostilities in the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the names of the hostages to be released had been handed over.
Under the ceasefire agreement, Hamas is required to release names 24 hours before the hostages are released.
Also on Saturday, Israel is to release dozens of Palestinians held in its prisons in return.
According to Israeli sources, there are 76 hostages remaining in the Gaza Strip, with 36 believed to be no longer alive.
During the initial six-week phase of the ceasefire agreement, Hamas is to release 33 hostages in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Sixteen Israeli hostages have now been released in five stages. Hamas has also released five Thai nationals who were not part of the deal with Israel.
