Qatar: 8 Israeli children, 5 Israeli women, 7 foreigners to be released tonight

Eight Israeli children and five Israeli women will shortly be released from Gaza, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari says.

Seven foreign nationals who have been held hostage in Gaza will also be released, al-Ansari adds.

The Palestinian prisoners to be released in this phase by Israel are 33 minors and six women, according to the Qatar foreign ministry spokesperson.

“We reiterate our appreciation to our mediation partners — Egypt and the United States — for the joint efforts that removed obstacles in implementing the terms of the agreement for today,” al-Ansari adds.

Al-Ansari expresses Doha’s hope that the “momentum” built over the past two day of the truce will lead to its extension past Monday and to advanced negotiations toward a longer-term ceasefire.