In a significant development, Hamas has freed six Israeli hostages as part of a broader agreement, coinciding with the planned release of 602 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday. This exchange marks another step in the ongoing conflict resolution efforts between the two sides.
Details of the Hostage Release
The released individuals include four hostages abducted during the Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, 2023: Tal Shoham, Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen, and Omer Wenkert. Additionally, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who have been held in Gaza for several years – Mengistu since 2014 and al-Sayed since 2015 – were also freed.
These six hostages represent the last group still alive to be returned under the initial terms of a ceasefire agreement that is due to conclude next Saturday. However, discussions regarding the conditions for a subsequent phase between Israel and Hamas have yet to be finalized.
Upcoming Palestinian Prisoner Release
On the same day, a large number of Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released, primarily those detained following the October 7 attack. According to a statement from a Palestinian prisoners’ media office, among those to be released are 50 individuals serving life sentences and 60 others with lengthy prison terms.
In a separate but related matter, the bodies of four additional hostages are anticipated to be returned to Israel next week, marking what is expected to be the final step in this phase of the ceasefire. Currently, there are still 59 hostages held by Hamas, with approximately half believed to be alive, and more releases are anticipated in the next phase of the three-stage ceasefire set to commence on March 1.
This process of hostage release, facilitated by the Red Cross, began in January, evolving from chaotic initial scenes into more organized handovers, with hostages escorted by armed fighters prior to their release.
“This is an unforgettable moment, where all emotions are rapidly mixing together. Our Tal is with us,”
said the family of Mr. Shoham, who was visiting relatives in Kibbutz Be’eri at the time of his abduction. His family members were released after 50 days of captivity.
Mr. Mengistu’s family expressed their relief upon his release, revealing that they had endured “10 years and five months of unimaginable suffering.” Both Mengistu and al-Sayed had previously faced mental health challenges during their long periods of captivity.
In a public display in central Gaza, the releases of Mr. Shem Tov, Mr. Cohen, and Mr. Wenkert were met with cheers from crowds in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, where families expressed their hopes for the return of all remaining hostages.
“Our only request is to seize this window of opportunity to secure a deal that will… return all hostages home,” Mr. Shoham’s family stated.
Among those still detained is Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier captured on October 7. His mother, Yael Alexander, commented on the bittersweet nature of the day, stating, “It is amazing to see them freed, but for my family, it is very tough waiting.”
Saturday’s atmosphere of celebration stands in stark contrast to the grief experienced earlier this week when the remains of hostages Shiri Bibas and her two sons, along with another captive, Oded Lifschitz, were returned to Israel.