A major hostage exchange took place on Saturday, as Hamas released three Israeli hostages, and Israel freed dozens of Palestinian detainees under a fragile ceasefire agreement.
A Shocking Rescue: Hostages Appear Frail and Weak
The three freed hostages—Ohad Ben Ami and Eli Sharabi, who were kidnapped from Kibbutz Be’eri, and Or Levy, who was taken from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023—were seen in terrible condition after months in captivity.
Their thin bodies, pale faces, and weak movements shocked Israelis. Many compared their appearance to Holocaust survivors, highlighting the trauma they had endured.
“He looked like a skeleton, it was awful to see,” said Michal Cohen, Ben Ami’s mother-in-law, after witnessing the Hamas handover.
The hostages were first paraded on a Hamas stage, flanked by armed militants, before being handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). They were then driven to Israeli forces, where tearful family reunions followed.
“We missed you so much,” cried Geula Levy, embracing her son, Or Levy, upon his return.
Once in Israel, the hostages were flown to hospitals, where doctors confirmed severe weight loss and malnutrition due to their time in captivity.
Israel’s Response: “A Crime Against Humanity”
Israeli leaders strongly condemned the conditions of the released hostages.
🇮🇱 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Called the sight of the frail hostages “shocking” and vowed to address it.
🇮🇱 President Isaac Herzog: Described the hostage handover as “cynical and vicious,” calling it “a crime against humanity.”
🇮🇱 Hostage Families Forum: Said the images reminded them of Nazi concentration camp survivors and demanded all hostages be freed immediately.
Palestinian Prisoners Released: Tears, Joy, and Celebration
In exchange for the three Israeli hostages, Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners, including:
✅ 111 detainees from Gaza
✅ 72 prisoners from the West Bank, including those convicted of deadly attacks
Buses carrying the freed Palestinian detainees arrived in Gaza and the West Bank, where they were greeted by cheering crowds. Families embraced their loved ones, some prisoners wept with joy, while others tore off their prison bracelets in relief.
“Today, I am reborn,” said Eyad Abu Shkaidem, a Hamas member sentenced to 18 life terms for planning suicide attacks.
However, not all were in good health—six prisoners were rushed to the hospital, suffering from poor conditions during their imprisonment.
The Painful Reality for Some Hostages
While the hostage return was a relief, it was also heartbreaking.
💔 Eli Sharabi’s wife and two teenage daughters were killed in the Hamas attack on Kibbutz Be’eri. Israeli media reported that he had not been told about their deaths before his release.
💔 Or Levy’s wife was killed, leaving him to reunite with his three-year-old son alone.
The Ceasefire: Fragile but Holding
The hostage exchange is part of a 42-day ceasefire deal, brokered by Washington, Cairo, and Doha, which began on January 19, 2025.
🚨 The terms of the ceasefire include:
🔹 33 Israeli hostages (children, women, elderly, and sick individuals) to be released
🔹 Almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees to be freed
🔹 Ongoing negotiations for a second phase, which could lead to:
- The return of remaining hostages
- A full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza
- A potential end to the war
However, tensions remain high, and there is fear that the ceasefire could collapse before all hostages are freed.
A War That Has Left Thousands Dead
The Israel-Gaza war, which began on October 7, 2023, has been one of the deadliest conflicts in modern history.
⚠️ Hamas-led attack on Israel:
- 1,200 people killed
- Over 250 hostages taken
⚠️ Israel’s response in Gaza:
- Over 47,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza health authorities
- Mass destruction across the enclave
What’s Next?
🇮🇱 Netanyahu has sent a delegation to Doha for more talks on extending the ceasefire.
🇺🇸 Former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Palestinians be moved out of Gaza and that the U.S. should develop the area into a tourist hub.
🌍 Arab states and Palestinian groups strongly rejected the idea, calling it a form of ethnic cleansing.
The Fight for the Remaining Hostages Continues
While this exchange has brought relief, 76 hostages are still in captivity. Families and leaders continue to push for their immediate return, as Israel and Hamas weigh their next moves in this ongoing war.
