Hamas will release three Israeli hostages from Gaza on Saturday, marking the fifth round of exchanges under the ongoing ceasefire deal.
The hostages, identified as Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy, have endured 491 days of captivity. In return, Israel is expected to release a significant number of Palestinian prisoners as part of the agreement.
Details of the Hostages’ Captivity
- Ohad Ben Ami, 56, was taken from Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, 2023. His wife, Raz Ben Ami, was also kidnapped but freed in November 2023 during a previous ceasefire exchange.
- Eli Sharabi, 52, was also abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri. Tragically, his wife and daughters were murdered during the attack, and his brother, Yossi Sharabi, died in Gaza.
- Or Levy, 34, was kidnapped while attending the Nova music festival. His wife, Eynav, was killed in the same attack.
Exchange Under Ceasefire Terms
The ongoing ceasefire agreement, established last month in Qatar, emphasizes the release of vulnerable individuals, including women, children, the elderly, and those with health concerns. Since the ceasefire began on January 19, Hamas and its allies have released 18 hostages, including five Thai nationals.
In exchange, Israel has freed 583 Palestinian detainees, encompassing a mix of individuals serving life sentences and children held without formal charges or trials.
Saturday’s exchange will see Hamas release the three hostages, while Israel is expected to free 183 Palestinian prisoners.
Tensions and Challenges
Hamas has accused Israel of delaying the agreement’s implementation, exacerbating hardships for Palestinians in Gaza. A statement from the group criticized what it described as “procrastination” in fulfilling the humanitarian protocol.
On the ground, humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza face continued challenges, though recent improvements in supply distribution have slightly alleviated conditions.
Statements from Families and Organizations
The residents of Kibbutz Be’eri have expressed relief at the anticipated return of Ben Ami and Sharabi. However, they stress that true normalcy will only be achieved when all hostages are safely reunited with their families.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum echoed these sentiments, highlighting the moral imperative of bringing every captive home.
A Step Toward Resolution
This exchange reflects the complex and fragile nature of the ceasefire agreement. While it offers a glimmer of hope for affected families, it underscores the broader humanitarian and geopolitical challenges in the region.
The release of hostages and prisoners marks a step forward, but the path to lasting peace remains fraught with obstacles.
This article is based on publicly available information. For the original report and further details, visit CNN at Hamas to release three Israeli men Saturday in latest round of exchanges under ceasefire deal | CNN
