In a significant move towards peace, Hamas is set to release three Israeli hostages from Gaza this Saturday as part of a broader ceasefire-hostage agreement. This development marks the fifth exchange under the initial phase of the ceasefire, which has so far seen the release of 18 hostages from Gaza and around 600 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
The hostages, Ohad Ben Ami (56), a dual Israeli-German citizen, Eli Sharabi (52), and Or Levy (34), were kidnapped during a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the release through the prime minister's office on Friday.
In return, Hamas has demanded the release of 183 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, including 18 serving life sentences, 54 with long-term sentences, and 111 detained in Gaza during the ongoing conflict.
This exchange is part of a 42-day ceasefire agreement, effective from January 19, which outlines the release of hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Despite some challenges, the deal, backed by the U.S. and mediated by Egypt and Qatar, has held firm.
However, tensions remain as there are fears the agreement might falter before all hostages are freed. U.S. President Donald Trump's recent proposal to move Palestinians from Gaza and transform the enclave into the \"Riviera of the Middle East\" has been met with rejection from Arab states and Palestinian groups, who describe it as ethnic cleansing.
Amid these developments, Israeli defense ministers are preparing plans to allow Palestinians wishing to leave Gaza, signaling ongoing negotiations for a second phase aimed at the full withdrawal of Israeli troops and the return of remaining hostages.
The conflict, which erupted with the Hamas attack on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with over 1,200 Israelis and more than 47,000 Palestinians reported dead.
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Hamas set to release three Israeli hostages as Gaza ceasefire holds
cgtn.com
