Hamas to release 3 more Israeli hostages today

Three more Israeli hostages are expected to be released by Hamas on Saturday, in return for the freeing of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, BBC reports.

The handover is expected to begin at around 10:00 local time (08:00 GMT), Israeli media reports.

Hamas is preparing to release the hostages, while the families of those held are getting cakes and champagne ready to celebrate.

On Friday, Hamas released the names of the next hostages to be freed. They are male civilians Eli Sharabi, 52, Ohad Ben Ami, 56, and Or Levy, 34. Here's what we know about them:

Eli Sharabi was taken from Kibbutz Beeri with his brother, Yossi, who has since been confirmed dead. Eli's wife and two daughters were murdered in the attack.

Ohad Ben Ami was also taken from Kibbutz Beeri, along with his wife, Raz. She was later released by Hamas.

Or Levy fled the Nova festival with his wife Eynav, when gunmen attacked the event. Levy was taken hostage and Eynav's body was found in a bomb shelter where the couple had been hiding.

The expected release of Eli Sharabi, Ohad ben Ami and Or Levy comes as part of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas that began on 19 January.

In the first phase of the deal, 33 Israeli hostages are due to be freed.

Last week, the latest exchange of hostages and prisoners by Israel and Hamas saw the release of three hostages and more than 183 Palestinian prisoners.