Three Israeli hostages released under Gaza ceasefire deal
Three Israeli hostages released under Gaza ceasefire deal
Share:
Three Israeli hostages have been freed by Hamas as part of a prisoner exchange. Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami, who were kidnapped during the October 7 attacks, were handed over to Red Cross officials in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza. Before their release, Hamas staged a ceremony where the hostages were shown holding certificates while armed militants brandished rifles. Mr Levy was captured from the Nova music festival where his wife Einav was killed, though family members say he may be unaware of her death. Mr Sharabi and Mr Ben Ami were both taken from Kibbutz Be'eri during the Hamas assault.
Red Cross vehicles are transporting the freed hostages to a meeting point with Israeli forces, who will escort them out of Gaza. The release comes as part of a delicate peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, with Israel agreeing to free nearly 200 Palestinian prisoners in return. The exchange marks the latest development in ongoing negotiations following the October attacks, which saw multiple Israelis taken captive from southern communities and events near the Gaza border.
