Hamas says 3 Israeli hostages will be freed on Saturday as planned
Jerusalem, Feb 13 (AP): The Hamas group said Thursday it would release the next group of three Israeli hostages as planned, in a reversal of its previous statement and raising the prospect of resolving a major dispute over the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas had threatened to delay the next release of Israeli hostages, accusing Israel of failing to meet its obligations to allow in tents and shelters, among other alleged violations of the truce. Israel had threatened to renew its offensive if hostages were not freed.
There was no immediate comment from Israel on Hamas' announcement but if the hostages are freed, that would allow the ceasefire to continue for now, though the its future remains in doubt.
The fragile ceasefire has mostly held since it started on January 19. During the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas has committed to freeing a total of 33 hostages captured in its October 7, 2023, attack in exchange for Israel releasing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
The sides have carried out five swaps since January 19, freeing 21 hostages and over 730 Palestinian prisoners so far. The war could resume if no agreement is reached on the more complicated second phase of the ceasefire, which calls for the return of all remaining hostages and an indefinite extension of the truce.
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Landslide in Shivamogga: Bodies of three manual workers recovered from under debris
District authorities close Hulikal Ghat route, also Agumbe Ghat, Nittur-Nagodi Ghat roads
Shivamogga: The bodies of three workers who had died in an incident of landslide near a hairpin bend on State Highway 52 in Hulikal Ghat of Hosanagar taluk on Thursday were recovered by the State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) and fire brigade staff members on Friday.
The mishap reportedly occurred during the work of widening the road near the Shri Chandikamba Temple at Hulikal Ghat.
The deceased workers are identified as Raghu of Chakkaru village near Shivamogga city, and Shabbir and Raju of Nelagallu village, Haveri district.
The bodies of Raghu and Raju were found on Thursday night, while Shabbir’s body was found at 3 am on Friday. The bodies have been shifted to the mortuary of the city hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Four other workers are said to have been injured and are being treated in hospital.
Senior BJP leader and Theerthahalli MLA Araga Jnanendra paid a visit to the mishap scene and also visited the hospital to inquire about the health condition of the workers.
He expressed sorrow at the loss of life in the incident and told reporters he offered condolence and support to the bereaved families.
The State Highway 52 has been blocked at Hulikal Ghat for traffic movement at present, following the Thursday landslide. Although it is a prominent stretch that connects Shivamogga to Theerthahalli, Nagara, Hulikal Ghat and Kundapur, the authorities have announced it closure for vehicular movement till further instructions.
In addition, the district authorities have asked vehicle users to avoid the Agumbe Ghat route in Theerthahalli taluk and Nittur-Nagodi Ghat route of Hosanagar taluk, which are most frequently used, and take alternative roads.
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