Hamas to release three more hostages in exchange for prisoners

Hamas captured 251 hostages and killed around 1,200 people during its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which sparked the current war. In response, Israel’s military offensive has resulted in the deaths of at least 47,500 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. The UN reports that about two-thirds of Gaza’s buildings have been damaged or destroyed.

Who are the hostages to be freed?

Eli Sharabi was kidnapped from Kibbutz Beeri along with his brother Yossi, who was later confirmed dead. Eli’s wife, Lianne (originally from the UK), and their two daughters, Noiya and Yahel, were killed during the attack. Eli’s brother-in-law, Stephen Brisley from Wales, told the BBC, “Eli coming home alive would be perhaps the greatest memorial to Lianne and the girls, and we’re so close to achieving that now.”

Ohad Ben Ami, also from Kibbutz Beeri, was taken along with his wife, Raz, who was later released. Ohad, an accountant, is known for his “good judgment and sense of humour,” according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

Or Levy, a computer programmer from Rishon LeZion, was abducted after fleeing the Nova music festival with his wife, Eynav, during a Hamas attack. Or was taken hostage, and Eynav’s body was later found in a bomb shelter where they had hidden.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the families of the hostages have been informed about the upcoming release.

Tensions over humanitarian aid

While the hostage exchange continues, tensions remain high over humanitarian aid in Gaza. Hamas accused Israel of not fulfilling its promise to allow more aid into Gaza as part of the ceasefire agreement. Salama Marouf, head of Hamas’s media office, claimed only 8,500 aid trucks had entered Gaza instead of the promised 12,000, with delays in medical supplies and shelter materials.

However, the UN’s humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, stated that around 10,000 aid trucks carrying food, medicine, and tents have crossed into Gaza since the ceasefire began, calling it “a massive surge.”

Freed hostage pleads for family’s return

Meanwhile, recently freed hostage Yarden Bibas (34) made an emotional plea to Prime Minister Netanyahu: “I’m now addressing you with my own words… bring my family back, bring my friends back, bring everyone home.”

Hamas previously claimed that Yarden’s wife, Shiri, and their two sons, Ariel and Kfir, were killed in an Israeli airstrike, but Israel has not confirmed this report.

(with inputs from BBC)