The Fifth Exchange in Gaza Ceasefire Deal: Hamas Releases Israeli Hostages
In a significant development, Hamas has released three Israeli hostages as part of the fifth exchange in the Gaza ceasefire deal. In return, Israel is set to release 183 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
The hostages, identified as Or Levy, Eli Sharabi, and Ohad Ben Ami, are all civilians. Ben Ami and Sharabi were kidnapped from the Be’er kibbutz, while Levy was taken from the Nova music festival near the Re’im kibbutz.
The Red Cross facilitated the handover of the hostages to the Israeli army, a moment captured live on TV and radio in the region. The men will now undergo medical check-ups, reunite with their families at the army base, and then be transported to a hospital for further treatment.
Exchange as Part of Ceasefire Agreement
Since the ceasefire came into effect on January 19, Hamas has released a total of 21 hostages, including those released in this latest exchange. Israel, on the other hand, has released 550 Palestinian prisoners.
Under the terms of the agreement, a total of 33 hostages will be released in the first phase of the ceasefire, with around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees set to be released by Israel. Notably, 18 of the Palestinians released in this exchange had been sentenced to life imprisonment, 54 to long prison terms, and 111 had been detained in Gaza during the recent war.
According to the ceasefire agreement, Israel is scheduled to withdraw its forces from the Netzarim Corridor, which divides the Gaza Strip, on the upcoming Sunday.
Additionally, the humanitarian community’s efforts to provide aid to Gaza have seen over 10,000 relief lorries entering the enclave since the ceasefire began on January 19.
This exchange marks a positive step towards peace and reconciliation in the region, with hopes for further progress in the days to come.
