The United States is looking to secure an “extension” of the current ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as the two sides work with mediators to finalize the next stage of the deal. The first phase of the ceasefire agreement,

JERUSALEM -- JERUSALEM (AP) — 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.

Hamas has handed over to the Red Cross the first two of six Israeli hostages due to be freed Saturday under the Israel-Hamas ceasefire

U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy on Sunday said the U.S. expects the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal to go forward. Steve Witkoff made the comment in a CNN interview when asked about Israel's decision to postpone the release of Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

The first phase of the cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas is nearing completion, but negotiations for the second stage haven’t begun yet.

Israel is expected to release over 600 Palestinian prisoners after Hamas released the six Israeli hostages. "This is particularly true if Russia assesses that the US cannot or will not support the European NATO countries in a war with Russia.

Freed Israeli hostage during his release from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Hamas freed all six hostages in the latest exchange Saturday, even as heightened tension between the adversaries clouded the future of the fragile ceasefire deal.