Hamas has released the names of three Israeli hostages set for release on Saturday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The hostages include Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami, and Or Levy.
Since the ceasefire began on January 19, Hamas has freed 18 hostages, while Israel has released 383 prisoners. On Saturday, Hamas plans to release another 183 hostages. By the end of the first phase of the ceasefire, a total of 33 hostages and 1,900 Palestinian prisoners will have been freed. Israel has stated that eight of the 33 hostages are dead.
Background on the Hostages
- Eli Sharabi, 52, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Beeri alongside his brother, Yossi, who was later confirmed dead. His British-born wife, Lianne, and daughters, Noiya and Yahel, were killed in the attack. His brother-in-law, Stephen Brisley from Wales, described Eli’s return as the “greatest memorial” to his lost family.
- Ohad Ben Ami, 56, was also taken from Kibbutz Beeri with his wife, Raz, who was later released. Described as a man of good judgment and humor, he works as an accountant.
- Or Levy, 34, a computer programmer from Rishon LeZion, was abducted at the Nova music festival. His wife, Eynav, was later found dead in a bomb shelter, where they had been hiding from Hamas gunmen.
Hamas and Israel Dispute Ceasefire Commitments
Hamas accused Israel of failing to honor its ceasefire commitments by limiting humanitarian aid into Gaza. Salama Marouf, the head of Hamas’s media office, claimed Israel blocked medical supplies and shelter equipment and only allowed 8,500 of the promised 12,000 aid trucks into Gaza.
However, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher contradicted Hamas’s claims, reporting that 10,000 trucks carrying food, medicine, and tents had already entered Gaza since the ceasefire began.
Yarden Bibas, 34, an Israeli hostage freed last Saturday, urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure the return of his wife and children, who remain in captivity. Hamas previously claimed that his wife, Shiri, and their two sons, Ariel and Kfir, had died in an Israeli airstrike, though Israel has not confirmed this.
Hundreds of mourners, including armed Hamas militants, gathered on Friday to bury Marwan Issa, a top Hamas military commander. The Israeli military said it killed Issa in a March airstrike, but Hamas only confirmed his death last week.
US President Donald Trump’s proposed post-war plan for Gaza has sparked global outrage. He suggested that the US “take over” Gaza, resettle its Palestinian population, and transform the territory into a luxury resort. The proposal has faced strong condemnation from Arab nations and the UN.
