Latest news and live updates as six Israelis are set to be released in exchange for Palestinian detainees and prisoners as part of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal.

Hamas is in the process of releasing six Israeli hostages in Gaza – the final living captives whom the warring sides agreed would be released when a ceasefire began last month.

Hamas freed the first two of six Israeli hostages due to be released Saturday even as heightened tension between the adversaries clouded the future of the fragile ceasefire deal. The two hostages — Tal Shoham,

Six Israeli men will be freed today — the last group of living hostages slated for release during this initial six week ceasefire. Among them are two men who have been held for a decade, after wandering into Gaza. A second handover is expected in coming hours in Nuseirat, in the strip's centre.

Israel prepared on Saturday to receive six more hostages from Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, after accusations over the return of a misidentified body this week threatened to derail a fragile truce.

Israel’s defense minister says “all hell will break loose” if Hamas does not release three hostages as planned this weekend

Hayya, leader of Hamas in Gaza, said the bodies of four hostages would be returned on Thursday. Six living hostages would follow on Saturday.

Hamas’ threat to delay the next planned release of Israeli hostages from the Gaza Strip has jolted a fragile ceasefire that’s seen as having the potential to wind down the war

Hamas is set to free six more Israeli hostages Saturday from the Gaza Strip, but the exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners is shadowed by heightened tension between the adversaries that clouds the future of the fragile ceasefire deal.

Under the first phase of the ceasefire deal some hostages held in Gaza will be released in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons