Hamas Releases Five Israeli Hostages to Red Cross in Gaza

Five Israeli hostages have been handed over to the Red Cross by Hamas in Gaza as part of ongoing negotiations.

Three additional Israeli hostages, Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem Tov, and Omer Wenkert, have been transferred to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, located in central Gaza.

According to Israeli media, Hisham al-Sayed, the last of the six individuals scheduled for release today, will be freed without any public ceremony.

Earlier today, crowds in Tel Aviv erupted in cheers as Avera Mengistu and Tal Shoham were released. In total, five hostages have been freed so far today.

In exchange, Israel is set to release 602 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, as reported by the media office for Palestinian prisoners.

This follows an announcement by Israel that a body returned by Hamas earlier this week was not Shiri Bibas, as initially claimed. Her family has since confirmed that another body handed over on Friday is indeed hers.

The president of Israel expressed relief and comfort upon witnessing the release of hostages this morning.

Isaac Herzog mentions in a post on X that they rise from the depths of hell to start their journey of healing and recovery with their devoted families, who fought tirelessly for them. He also emphasizes that the “immediate return” of all hostages is crucial.

We must do everything in our power to ensure that all the hostages return safely from captivity in Gaza—every single one!

He also conveyed his “deep sorrow” regarding Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas. Her family reported that Hamas returned her body on Friday, following Israel’s statement that the remains given back on Thursday belonged to an unidentified woman.

As previously reported, the Palestinian prisoners’ media office anticipates that 602 Palestinian prisoners and detainees will be released later today.

This is included in the initial phase of the ceasefire agreement, which mandates the release of 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees from Israeli prisons in exchange for 33 Israeli hostages.

Since the first phase of a three-stage agreement commenced on January 19, over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners have been released.

According to the Palestinian prisoners’ media office, Israel released 369 Palestinian detainees last week. Among them were 36 individuals serving life sentences and 333 who had been held without charge in Gaza.

Most were transported to Gaza, a few were freed in the West Bank, and reportedly, the majority of the 36 individuals serving life sentences were deported to Egypt.

Following the 7 October attack by Hamas in 2023, the number of Palestinian detainees has increased to approximately 10,000.

Reports indicate that three hostages recently released by Hamas have now been handed over to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and intelligence services.

According to a joint statement, IDF special forces and ISA personnel are currently escorting the three returning hostages back to Israeli territory, where they will receive an initial medical evaluation.

The IDF states that it is prepared to receive another hostage expected to be transferred to the Red Cross “in the near future”.

IDF condemns Hamas display of ‘respect’ for Bedouin-Israeli hostage.

Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) have criticized Hamas for the isolated release of Bedouin-Israeli hostage, Hisham al-Sayed.

He was initially anticipated to be released alongside three other hostages by Hamas in Nuseirat, but an unexpected change of plans now means his release will occur “without ceremony.”

The IDF released a statement indicating that Hamas has decided not to conduct their ‘ceremony’ for hostage Hisham al-Sayed. This decision was made out of respect for the Bedouin-Israeli community, as it prevents exposing him to such a dehumanizing and traumatic experience.

Hisham al-Sayed has been detained in Gaza since 2015.

The IDF questioned, “Where was this ‘respect’ for the Arab-Israeli community when Hisham was held hostage for more than ten years?”