In a significant development following an internationally brokered ceasefire, Hamas has released three Israeli hostages, while Israel reciprocated by freeing 183 Palestinian prisoners. This exchange marks an important step in the ongoing negotiations and humanitarian efforts in the region.
The hostages, identified as Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami, and Or Levy, were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Saturday morning. They were subsequently reunited with their families in Israel. However, concerns regarding their health have emerged, particularly after Mr. Sharabi’s family in the UK expressed shock at his “gaunt” appearance.
Celebrations in Ramallah as Palestinian prisoners return
As the three Israeli men were welcomed back, a contrasting scene unfolded in Ramallah, where the returning Palestinian prisoners were met with jubilation. Celebratory crowds gathered, although representatives noted that many of the released prisoners required medical attention, details of which were not disclosed.
Since the ceasefire took effect on January 19, a total of 21 hostages and 566 prisoners have been released. By the end of the current ceasefire phase, it is anticipated that 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners will have been freed, although Israel has reported that eight of those hostages are deceased.
During the handover ceremony in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, crowds gathered to witness the event. The transfer was marked by the appearance of armed fighters and the display of both Hamas and Palestinian flags. A Hamas official, alongside a Red Cross representative, signed the necessary documentation on stage, which culminated in the hostages being presented to the public, where they answered questions before being escorted into Red Cross vehicles.
“The disturbing images of the release serve as yet another stark and painful evidence that leaves no room for doubt – there is no time to waste for the hostages! We must get them all out, down to the very last hostage,”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed profound concern regarding the physical condition of the men, highlighting their ordeal after “491 days of hell.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also voiced criticism, accusing Hamas of “repeated violations” of the ceasefire agreement, but did not provide specific instances to back his claims.
Humanitarian Aid and Ongoing Negotiations
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem stated that the release was conducted in a “civilised manner,” while he accused Israel of delaying humanitarian relief efforts that were part of the ceasefire terms.
The ICRC, which oversaw the exchange, expressed increasing concern about the conditions surrounding such releases, urging all parties to ensure that future operations respect the dignity and privacy of the individuals involved.
In a reciprocal move, Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners, with over 70 of them serving life sentences or long terms. Among those released was Jamal al-Tawil, a notable figure associated with Hamas, who had spent nearly two decades in Israeli prisons.
Reactions among the families of released prisoners varied greatly, with some expressing immense joy at reunions after many years apart. Khadra al-Daghma, mother of one of the freed prisoners, conveyed her overwhelming happiness at seeing her son after a fifteen-year separation, despite his reported health issues stemming from his imprisonment.
The backdrop of these exchanges comes after Hamas’s initial attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in the capture of 251 hostages and the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals. In the ongoing conflict, Palestinian casualties have reached at least 47,500, according to reports from Gaza’s health ministry.
The evolving situation continues to draw international attention and complicates ongoing negotiations, particularly as U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a controversial plan to resettle Palestinians from Gaza. This proposal has faced widespread condemnation, further complicating peace talks.