The sources said that while Hamas has successfully recruited new members, many are young and untrained and are being used for simple security purposes.

Trump suggests Jordan, Egypt should absorb more Palestinians, 'clean out' Gaza Strip * IDF tells Gazans not to return to north until 'Hamas breach' of hostage deal is resolved

Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, said on Wednesday that he welcomed the potential for “a dialogue” with Hamas and heaped praise on Qatar for helping facilitate the cease-fire deal between Israel and Gaza, despite facing scrutiny for previous ties to the Gulf nation.

Israel says it has killed thousands of the armed group’s members and destroyed much of its infrastructure, but since the cease-fire started Hamas has shown it still holds power in the enclave.

The group is set to release the more than 90 hostages over the coming weeks as part of the ceasefire deal with Israel.

A cease-fire announced Wednesday will end the 15-month war between Hamas and Israel and includes the eventual release of all hostages held by Hams and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

In our news wrap Friday, Hamas announced the names of four Israeli hostages it intends to release as part of the ceasefire deal, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israeli forces might not withdraw from Lebanon by the deadline set in an agreement with Hezbollah and President Trump ended the government-funded protection detail for Dr.

Hamas is slated to release four Israeli hostages as the ceasefire deal with Israel continues. DW has the latest.

The U.S. government said on Saturday it was "critical" that implementation of the Gaza ceasefire continues, after four Israeli soldiers were freed by Palestinian Hamas militants in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners.

A week after the Gaza ceasefire took effect, the second group of hostages has been exchanged for Palestinians held by Israel. After more than 15 months, Israel and Hamas have agreed on a multiphase plan.