Ceasefire Agreement: Hamas Releases Three Israeli Hostages for Dozens of Palestinian Prisoners
Gaza Strip: As part of a ceasefire agreement, Hamas militants released three Israeli hostages on Saturday, who were part of a larger group of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel. These three Israeli hostages, Eli Sharabi (52), Ohad Ben Ami (56), and Or Levi (34), were seen being escorted by armed Hamas militants from a white van to a stage set up in the town of Deir al-Balah, visibly fatigued and physically drained.
The release of these hostages is part of a broader agreement in which 18 other hostages had previously been freed. All the hostages were taken during the attack on Israel on October 7, which led to the outbreak of war.
Before handing over the hostages to the Red Cross, Hamas militants spoke through a microphone in front of hundreds of people. This was the first time that Hamas made public statements during a hostage release in the current ceasefire phase.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to expel Palestinian people from Gaza was welcomed by Israel but was heavily rejected by Palestinians and the international community. However, this proposal has not affected the ongoing ceasefire, which is scheduled to last until early March.
Just hours before the hostages were released, masked, armed Hamas militants in white trucks were seen lining up at a transfer location near the main north-south highway in central Gaza.
Since the ceasefire began on January 19, this is the fifth hostage release by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners. Before Saturday, 18 hostages and more than 550 Palestinian prisoners had been released.
Hamas terrorists prepare to parade innocent hostages ahead of their release from Gaza today.
Gut-wrenching and disgusting on so many levels.pic.twitter.com/EcbInPO532
— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) February 8, 2025
Ceasefire Agreement: Israel Releases 183 Palestinian Prisoners
In the first phase of the ceasefire, there are calls for the release of 33 hostages and around 2,000 prisoners, along with the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza and increased humanitarian aid to affected areas. Last week, for the first time since May, injured Palestinians were allowed to travel from Gaza to Egypt for treatment.