Hamas Releases Israeli Hostages, Families Overcome with Mixed Emotions of Joy and Sorrow

Hamas Releases Israeli Hostages, Families Overcome with Mixed Emotions of Joy and Sorrow

On Saturday, the Palestinian militant group Hamas freed three Israeli hostages, whose frail and exhausted appearance shocked Israelis. At the same time, Israel has begun releasing Palestinian prisoners as part of the second phase of a ceasefire aimed at ending the war in Gaza.

The three Israeli citizens held hostage by Hamas were Ohad Ben Ami and Eli Sharabi, who were abducted from Kibbutz Be'eri during the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and Or Levy, who was kidnapped from the Nova Music Festival. The hostages appeared extremely weak and pale when handed over, causing their families to be devastated.

Ohad Ben Ami’s mother-in-law, Michal Cohen, told Channel 13 News, "He looked like a skeleton, it was heartbreaking to see."

In addition to the hostages' release, Israel has also decided to free 183 Palestinian prisoners, marking the start of a new phase of the ceasefire agreement. The first exchange took place in January after 15 months of war, and this current release is part of ongoing negotiations for a second phase.

Meanwhile, former President Trump’s suggestion to relocate Palestinians from Gaza has escalated tensions, creating further international political instability.