The expected release will keep up the momentum of the fragile ceasefire​ between Israel and the militant Hamas group that paused the 15-monthlong war in Gaza.

The release planned for Thursday would be the third so far as Israel and Hamas observe a six-week truce, part of a multiphase agreement that mediators hope will end the war in Gaza.

The names of the Israeli hostages due to be released in Gaza on Thursday have been released by the Israeli Prime Minister’s office (PMO), which also confirmed that five Thai nationals will be released.