Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Haya officially confirmed on Tuesday that his terror organization has "decided to give over four bodies on Thursday and to release six hostages on Saturday, in return for the release of the Palestinian prisoners whose release was agreed on."
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office confirmed: "Understandings have been reached in the Cairo negotiations according to which six living first-stage hostages will be released on Saturday."
It added: "This Thursday, four deceased hostages will be returned to Israel. Pursuant to the agreement, four additional deceased hostages are due to be returned to Israel next week."
The understandings were reached as part of the ongoing talks between the sides and the details of the deal are expected to come out later.
According to reports, Hamas is interested in releasing six living hostages as early as Saturday to ensure the release of 47 terrorists, who were released in the deal to free captive IDF soldier Gilad Shalit and were reincarcerated, out of concern that a delay may prevent their release.
Earlier in the day, an Israeli diplomatic official stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is making great efforts to release the remaining six living hostages set to be released in phase one of the deal, as well as four deceased hostages.
As part of the negotiations, Israel committed to allowing the entry of trailers and mechanical engineering equipment into the Gaza Strip after a thorough inspection. Israel is expected to begin this in a controlled and gradual manner subject to Hamas's compliance with the agreement.
So far, the Prime Minister has held up the entry of caravans and heavy machinery to increase the pressure on Hamas.