In a significant development, Hamas is set to release three Israeli hostages from Gaza this Saturday as part of an ongoing ceasefire-hostage deal. The Israeli Prime Minister's office confirmed on Friday that the names of the hostages have been relayed through mediating countries.
As part of the agreement, Hamas expects Israel to release 183 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. This includes 18 individuals serving life sentences, 54 with long-term sentences, and 111 detained in Gaza during the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The hostages, kidnapped during a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, are Ohad Ben Ami, a 56-year-old dual Israeli-German citizen; Eli Sharabi, 52; and Or Levy, 34. Reports indicate that Ben Ami's wife was also taken captive but was released after 54 days as part of a prior deal.
This upcoming release marks the fifth hostage-prisoner exchange under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, following previous swaps that saw 18 hostages freed and around 600 Palestinian prisoners released from Israeli jails.
Launched on January 19, the initial 42-day phase of the ceasefire outlines Hamas releasing 33 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Despite some challenges, the agreement has held steady thanks to U.S. support and mediation from Egypt and Qatar.
Negotiations for a second phase have commenced, aiming to secure the release of the remaining hostages and discuss the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, setting the stage for an official end to the conflict.
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Hamas set to release three Israeli hostages as Gaza ceasefire holds
cgtn.com
