The Palestinian militant group Hamas has recruited between 10,000 and 15,000 members since the start of its war with Israel, according to two congressional sources briefed on U.S. intelligence, suggesting the Iran-backed fighters could remain a persistent threat to Israel.

Hamas identified four female soldiers abducted from a military base as those who will be freed in the next exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Hamas on Friday announced the names of four Israeli women soldiers to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

All four hostages are female Israeli soldiers. They are expected to be released Saturday in accordance with a ceasefire agreement with Israel that's halted fighting in the Gaza war since last weekend.

Both the Trump and Biden administrations have publicly claimed credit for pushing the agreement over the line.

FILE PHOTO: A combination picture shows Israeli hostages Karina Ariev, Naama Levy, Liri Albag and Daniela Gilboa, soldiers who were seized from their army base in southern Israel during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, in these undated handout pictures. Courtesy of Bring Them Home Now/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

More than 250 foreign and Israeli hostages taken by Hamas in the 7 October attack, according to Israel, with 94 still in Gaza

Relatives of hostages have called on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to ensure all remaining captives are freed.

The cease-fire deal between the two sides is holding despite heated quarrels over key issues, Arab mediators say.

Hamas says it will release four female IDF soldiers including Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag in second hostage release in a possible violation of the ceasefire agreement.

Hamas has announced it would release four female soldiers held hostage for 15 months in Gaza, as part of an exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners laid out in its ceasefire agreement with Israel