Another 3 Israeli hostages released by Hamas in latest ceasefire exchange

Three Israeli men have been released from Gaza in the fifth round of hostage exchanges between Israel and Hamas, as uncertainty grows over the future of the fragile ceasefire and the long-term outlook for the region.

Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy—captured during the Hamas-led October 7 attack on Israel—were handed over to the Red Cross in Deir al-Balah after spending 491 days in captivity. The transfer proceeded in an orderly manner, but the men appeared visibly frail and pale as they were led onto a makeshift stage.

Both Ben Ami and Sharabi wore brown clothing and were instructed to deliver brief statements in Hebrew before being escorted to Red Cross vehicles waiting to transport them back to Israel. Upon crossing into Israel, the hostages were handed over to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and are now undergoing medical evaluations.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel described the images from Saturday’s release as “disturbing,” with Levy, freed under humanitarian grounds, appearing particularly weakened.

Ben Ami, 56, and Sharabi, 52, were abducted from their homes in Kibbutz Be’eri, just four kilometers from the Gaza border. Ben Ami’s wife, Raz, who was also kidnapped that day, was released during a brief truce in November 2023. Sharabi faces a tragic homecoming, as his wife and daughters were killed during the October 7 attack, though it is unclear if he is aware of their deaths. His brother, Yossi Sharabi, who was also captured, died in captivity, with his body still in Gaza, according to the Israeli military.

Levy, 34, was attending the Nova music festival on the day of the attack when he was taken hostage. His wife, Eynav, was killed in the assault. Levy will soon reunite with his three-year-old son.

Saturday’s release brings the total number of Israeli hostages freed under the current ceasefire deal to 16, out of 33 promised to be released in phases. The Israeli government has reported that eight of those 33 hostages are deceased.

Hamas and its allies continue to hold 73 hostages captured on October 7, 2023, out of an initial 251. Additionally, three hostages taken in 2014 remain in Gaza.

In exchange for the three Israeli hostages, Hamas has stated that Israel is expected to release 183 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli officials have not yet confirmed the exact figures or identities of those to be freed. According to Hamas, 18 of the prisoners are serving life sentences, 54 have shorter sentences, and 111 were detained after October 7. The specific charges against the latter group remain unclear.

The October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people in Israel. In response, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 40,000 people, devastated much of the territory, and created a severe humanitarian crisis. The conflict has also escalated tensions across the region, drawing Israel into confrontations with Iran, a key Hamas supporter, and its proxies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.