Two American hostages are expected to be released in the initial phase of the proposed Gaza Strip ceasefire deal, CNN reported Wednesday.
The two Americans are Keith Siegel, 64, and Sagui Dekel-Chen, 35, a senior Biden administration official and two other sources familiar with the list told CNN.
They were among more than 250 hostages taken to Gaza by Iranian-backed Hamas during its terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023, that triggered Israel's military response in Gaza, with the goal of wiping out Hamas and rescuing the hostages.
Siegel was abducted with his wife, Adrienne, who was among a group of hostages released in a November 2023 ceasefire agreement. Dekel-Chen made sure his pregnant wife Avital and their two other daughters were safe inside a bomb shelter before confronting the terrorists. His wife gave birth to the couple's third daughter in December.
Seven Americans are believed to be among the remaining hostages in Gaza, with three presumed to be alive: Siegel, Dekel-Chen, and Edan Alexander, who is a soldier with Israel Defense Forces, according to CNN. The bodies of the four others who have been declared dead have yet to be returned.
Negotiators reached a phased ceasefire deal Wednesday. The complex accord outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and release of hostages taken by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
President-elect Donald Trump hailed the deal, posting on Truth Social: "I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones."
He also noted that his national security team, through the efforts of Steve Witkoff, his nominee for special Middle East envoy, "will continue to work closely with Israel and our allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven."
Trump added: "We will continue promoting PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the Historic Abraham Accords. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the World!"
Implementation of the deal will start Sunday.