Hamas Set to Release Three More Israeli Hostages Under Gaza Ceasefire Deal

As part of the ongoing Gaza ceasefire agreement, Hamas is preparing to release three additional Israeli hostages, following international negotiations.

Hamas is anticipated to release three additional Israeli hostages today in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

According to Israeli media reports, the handover is anticipated to start at approximately 10:00 local time (08:00 GMT).

Hamas is preparing to release the hostages, and meanwhile, the families of those held are readying cakes and champagne for a celebration.

The anticipated release of Eli Sharabi, Ohad ben Ami, and Or Levy is part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that commenced on January 19.

In the initial phase of the agreement, 33 Israeli hostages are set to be released.

We have been covering the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners for several weeks, and there’s frequently a lot happening.

The ceremonial nature of the hostage release has differed on each occasion. Last week, it was conducted in a calm and orderly manner, with crowds restrained behind barriers.

They were brought on stage, signed some documents, and were then entrusted to the Red Cross for their escort back to Israel.

However, prior to that, some individuals were marched through the streets of Gaza amidst large crowds. When Palestinian prisoners are released and transported by bus, they typically attract substantial gatherings upon arriving at their destinations.

Last week, it took several minutes to create enough space at the bus door for people to start disembarking. Once they did, the freed prisoners were lifted onto the crowd’s shoulders and paraded around.

On Friday, Hamas announced the names of hostages to be released today in Gaza as part of an exchange for Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel.

The male civilians are Eli Sharabi, 52; Ohad Ben Ami, 56; and Or Levy, 34. Here is what we know about them:

Eli Sharabi was taken from Kibbutz Beeri along with his brother Yossi, who has since been confirmed dead. In the attack, Eli’s wife and two daughters were killed.

Ohad Ben Ami and his wife, Raz, were both taken from Kibbutz Beeri. Raz was later released by Hamas.

Or Levy and his wife Eynav were attending the Nova festival when gunmen launched an attack. During their attempt to flee, Levi was taken hostage while tragically, Eynav’s body was later discovered in a bomb shelter where they had sought refuge.

Three Israeli captives and 183 Palestinian detainees scheduled for release.

As part of the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel that took effect on January 19, three additional Israeli hostages and numerous Palestinian prisoners are anticipated to be released today.

Eli Sharabi, Ohad ben Ami, and Or Levy have been identified as the hostages set to be released on Friday. In exchange, Israel is anticipated to release 183 Palestinian prisoners from its custody.

In the past, hostages have been showcased before crowds in Gaza—ranging from meticulously planned presentations to haphazard escorts through throngs of people.

Our team of writers in London, along with correspondents throughout the region, will provide you with the most recent updates and insights. Keep following us for more information.