Even in war, branding applies. Israel and Hamas are engaged in a parallel battle of optics despite a ceasefire that took effect Jan. 19 after more than a year of devastating war.

The release planned for Thursday would be the third so far as Israel and Hamas observe a six-week truce, part of a multiphase agreement that mediators hope will end the war in Gaza.

The five hostages were among the 31 Thai agricultural workers who were captured by Hamas from four farms close to the Gaza border. Earlier, 23 hostages were released and two, Sudthisak Rinthalak and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, were confirmed dead in May of last year.