Gaza ceasefire update: Three Israeli hostages released in latest prisoner exchange

Saturday 08 February 2025 - 15:15

By: Dakir Madiha

Gaza ceasefire update: Three Israeli hostages released in latest prisoner exchange

Hamas has released three Israeli hostages as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement established with Israel last month. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the transfer of Eli Sharabi, 52, Or Levy, 34, and Ohad Ben Ami, 56, in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza.

The exchange took place in front of Palestinian onlookers before the ICRC transferred the hostages to Israeli Occupation Forces (IOD). The released individuals will undergo medical evaluation upon their return to Israel.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog commented on the condition of the released hostages, who appeared visibly thin, describing it as "a crime against humanity." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that "the shocking images that we have seen today will not go unaddressed."

In exchange for the three Israeli hostages, Israel released dozens of Palestinian prisoners from Ofer Prison. The freed Palestinians arrived by bus in Ramallah, West Bank, where they were greeted by their families. Four of the released prisoners required immediate hospitalization in Ramallah due to deteriorating health conditions reportedly stemming from their detention conditions, according to Al Jazeera.

Israel is expected to release a total of 183 Palestinian prisoners today. This marks the fifth exchange under the Gaza ceasefire agreement that began on January 19, with 16 Israeli hostages and at least 383 Palestinian prisoners freed since its implementation.

The first phase of the ceasefire agreement is set to include the release of 33 Israeli hostages and 737 Palestinian prisoners. This latest exchange occurs against the backdrop of controversial proposals regarding the Gaza enclave, which have faced widespread opposition from Palestinians and countries in the region.