Hamas Releases 3 Israeli Hostages in Exchange for 183 Prisoners/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Hamas released three Israeli hostages under the Gaza ceasefire, while Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners. The hostages appeared frail, sparking outrage in Israel. The fragile truce remains in effect, but uncertainty looms over its next phase as both sides hold firm to their demands.
Hamas Releases 3 Israeli Hostages Amid Gaza Truce – Quick Look
- Hostages Freed: Three Israeli civilians, kidnapped on Oct. 7, were released by Hamas.
- Prisoner Exchange: Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners, including convicted militants.
- Concerns Over Health: The Israeli hostages appeared frail, raising alarm over their treatment.
- Ceasefire Agreement: The current truce has led to multiple hostage-prisoner swaps.
- Uncertain Future: Talks for an extended ceasefire remain tense, with Hamas demanding an Israeli withdrawal.
- Casualties So Far: Over 47,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis have died in the conflict.
- Political Fallout: Israeli leaders remain divided over whether to extend the ceasefire.
Hamas Releases 3 Israeli Hostages in Exchange for 183 Prisoners
Hamas Releases 3 Israeli Hostages Amid Gaza Truce – Deep Look
Hostage Release and Prisoner Exchange Under Ceasefire
On Saturday, Hamas released three Israeli hostages in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners, continuing a fragile ceasefire agreement that has momentarily paused the war in Gaza. The hostages—Eli Sharabi, 52, Ohad Ben Ami, 56, and Or Levy, 34—were handed over to the Red Cross after being paraded in a public ceremony orchestrated by Hamas. Their frail condition ignited outrage in Israel, adding pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the ceasefire’s future.
The exchange is part of an agreement that has so far seen the release of 21 Israeli hostages, including five Thai nationals, and over 730 Palestinian prisoners since the truce began on January 19.
Outrage Over Hostages’ Condition
The three men, visibly gaunt and weakened, were forced to make public statements before being released. This marked a departure from previous swaps, where hostages were returned without public spectacle.
“Israel views Hamas’ repeated violations with great severity, and the condition of the three hostages with even greater severity,” said Gal Hirsch, Israel’s coordinator for hostages.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid called for extending the truce to secure the return of remaining hostages, though Netanyahu has signaled his intention to resume military operations.
In response to criticism, Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, claimed they had “made efforts to preserve [the hostages’] lives despite the Israeli bombardment.”
Who Was Released?
The three hostages had been held captive since Hamas’ deadly October 7 attack.
- Eli Sharabi and Ohad Ben Ami were abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri, a community that suffered heavy casualties during the assault.
- Or Levy was taken from the Nova music festival, where Hamas militants killed hundreds.
Sharabi’s wife and two teenage daughters were killed in the attack, while his brother, Yossi, was also taken hostage and later died in captivity. Levy’s wife was also murdered, leaving his 3-year-old son in the care of relatives.
Meanwhile, the 183 Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel included:
- 18 serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis.
- 54 serving long-term sentences for violent offenses.
- 111 detainees from Gaza held after the October 7 assault.
- 7 prisoners transferred to Egypt for deportation.
Ceasefire’s Uncertain Future
The truce remains fragile, with Israel insisting on Hamas’ destruction while the militant group demands a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
The first phase of the ceasefire, brokered by mediators, called for the release of 33 Israeli hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, Israel claims that Hamas has confirmed eight of these hostages are already dead.
Negotiations for a second phase—aimed at securing the release of remaining hostages in exchange for an indefinite ceasefire—remain uncertain. If no agreement is reached, military operations could resume in early March.
Hamas’ reluctance to release more captives could be reinforced by recent political developments. U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s Palestinian population has been welcomed by Israel but condemned by Palestinians and the international community. Rights groups warn such a move would violate international law.
Mounting Casualties and Political Fallout
The war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis, has resulted in a devastating humanitarian toll. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, with more than half being women and children. Israel, however, claims it has eliminated over 17,000 Hamas fighters.
As Netanyahu faces growing pressure from both military hawks and hostage families, the ceasefire’s fate remains in flux. His far-right coalition partners are demanding a return to full-scale war, while others push for continued negotiations.
With more than 70 hostages still in Gaza and no immediate breakthrough in talks, the next few weeks will determine whether the ceasefire holds—or if the region plunges back into war.
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