The next test for Israel and Hamas will come on February 2nd, when talks resume on the next stage of the ceasefire—which includes the withdrawal of Israeli troops from all of Gaza and the release of more hostages. Whether the ceasefire can endure will depend on those discussions. ■

Yarden Bibas and two others will be exchanged for more Palestinian prisoners in the fourth swap since the ceasefire began.

Hamas is rushing to reassert control over the territory it has ruled since 2007. Its leaders are exuberant—at least in public. In private, they are arguing bitterly. The war has deepened a longtime struggle between the group’s political and military leaders and has saddled it with enormous challenges.

The increasingly theatrical and threatening events have angered Israel and put a cease-fire deal at risk.

Former hostage Amit Soussana, who was the first Israeli woman to speak about being sexual assaulted while in Hamas captivity, says kidnapped IDF soldier Liri Albag saved her life.

The expected release will keep up the momentum of the fragile ceasefire​ between Israel and the militant Hamas group that paused the 15-monthlong war in Gaza.

Follow NBC News live updates for the latest coverage of the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas.

Trump's executive order calling on campuses to address antisemitism has university leaders, faculty and students concerned as the president vows to revoke visas of pro-Palestinian international students who have taken part in protests.

Siegel, 65, is an American-Israeli from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He was kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza along with his wife, Aviva Siegel. Aviva was freed in a prior hostage exchange in Nov. 2023 and has since led an international campaign advocating for the release of Siegel and others still held in Gaza.

Dual U.S.-Israeli national Keith Seigel is among the 3 hostages expected to be released by Hamas in the fourth swap with Israel.

The Palestinian armed group Hamas has released the names of three hostages it says it will free on Saturday under the ceasefire deal with Israel. They are Israelis Ofer Kalderon, 53, and Yarden Bibas, 34, and American-Israeli Keith Siegel, 65.