As part of the ceasefire agreement with Israel, Hamas released three more hostages on Saturday in a prisoner exchange. Dozens of Palestinian prisoners were released in return.
Or Levy (34), Eli Sharabi (52), and Ohad Ben Ami (56) were freed by Hamas. They had been taken captive during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which triggered the subsequent conflict.
The three hostages were released in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, departing in a Hamas vehicle.
Red Cross vehicles were also present at the handover location.
This marks the fifth hostage release since the January 19 ceasefire. A total of eighteen hostages and over 550 Palestinian prisoners have been freed so far through these exchanges.
The ceasefire halted the 15-month Gaza war, ignited by Hamas’ attack on Israel and followed by Israel’s military response.
‘ Yael Rotem-Kuriel and