Hamas has released three Israeli hostages on Saturday, shocking many in Israel as the hostages appeared frail and in poor health. The hostages—Ohad Ben Ami and Eli Sharabi, taken from Kibbutz Be’eri during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, and Or Levy, abducted from the Nova music festival—were handed over during a ceremony staged by Hamas in Gaza. The event, where the hostages were seen answering questions while surrounded by armed militants, highlighted the severity of their condition.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the disturbing images, which he described as shocking and staged for propaganda purposes. In response, Israel began releasing 183 Palestinian prisoners, some convicted for their involvement in deadly attacks, as part of the ongoing ceasefire deal.
The Palestinian prisoners’ release was celebrated in Ramallah, with crowds waving flags and chanting in support. Among those freed was Eyad Abu Shkaidem, sentenced for orchestrating deadly suicide attacks. The prisoner exchange also included those detained during the war in Gaza.
The deal, mediated by Egypt and Qatar and backed by the US, is part of a ceasefire that has been in place for nearly three weeks. This agreement has seen the release of 13 Israeli and 5 Thai hostages, and 583 Palestinian prisoners.
For the families of the Israeli hostages, the relief of reunion is mixed with pain, as many of their loved ones have suffered severely. Some of the released hostages had been held in Gaza for over a year. For example, Eli Sharabi’s wife and daughters were killed in the attack on Kibbutz Be’eri.
While the exchange continues, some are concerned about the future of the deal. Tensions have risen following US President Donald Trump’s controversial plan for Gaza, which many have criticized as harmful to Palestinians.
The hostages and prisoners exchange is part of a broader negotiation to end the 15-month war between Israel and Hamas. The first phase of the ceasefire involves releasing Israeli civilians, women, children, and those in need of medical care in exchange for Palestinian detainees. Talks for a second phase to release all hostages and finalize a troop withdrawal from Gaza are ongoing.
The violence between Hamas and Israel began on October 7, 2023, with an attack by Hamas that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in over 250 hostages being taken. Israel responded with a military campaign that has resulted in significant casualties in Gaza. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for both Israeli and Hamas leaders, accusing them of war crimes.
