Israel confirms deal struck to free six live Israeli hostages on Saturday

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Credit: Reuters File Photo

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that a deal with Hamas was reached in Cairo on Tuesday to bring forward the release of Israeli hostages over the weekend.

Hamas will free six living hostages, Netanyahu's office said in a statement, instead of only three who were slated for release.

Four bodies of deceased hostages will be handed over on Thursday followed by four next week, Netanyahu's statement said.