Ahead of the release of six living hostages this Saturday and four deceased hostages this Thursday, these are the stories of the 14 remaining hostages of phase one of the hostage deal.

For the first time, an Israeli official has raised concerns about the growing military presence of the Egyptian army in the Sinai Peninsula. Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, in a briefing to Jewish organizations: “There are bases being built, and they can only be used for offensive operations and offensive weapons.”

The family of hostage David Cunio announced that they had received a sign of life from him, through one of the hostages who was released as part of the current deal. His younger brother, Ariel, was also kidnapped, partner of former hostage Arbel Yehud. 

Only after a definitive identification process of the bodies by the Israeli healthcare system will the families be formally notified. The process is expected to take several hours.

The IDF is expected to remain, with US approval, at five strategic positions along the Israel-Lebanon border until it is confirmed that Hezbollah will not return south of the Litani River. The IDF is preparing to reinforce its presence in the border area and anticipates protests from local residents.