They were taken during the Hamas attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023. In exchange, Israel is expected to release 369 Palestinian prisoners.  

The announcement followed tensions over whether the ceasefire would hold, with both sides accusing each other of violations.  

Efforts to maintain the truce continue amid escalating tensions and international involvement, including calls from United States President Donald Trump for all hostages to be released.

--Reuters/ChannelAfrica--