The Impressive TimesGaza, Feb 8, 2025: Israel has received the names of three Israeli hostages set to be released by Hamas on Saturday as part of a ceasefire-hostage deal, according to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office on Friday. The list was provided through mediating countries. In exchange, Israel will release 183 Palestinian prisoners, Hamas confirmed.
The three Israeli hostages, who were kidnapped in a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, are identified as Ohad Ben Ami, 56, a dual Israeli-German citizen; Eli Sharabi, 52; and Or Levy, 34. Israeli media reports indicate that Ben Ami’s wife was also abducted on October 7 but was released after 54 days in captivity as part of a previous hostage exchange.
The Prisoners’ Media Office affiliated with Hamas announced on Friday that Israel’s release of 183 Palestinian prisoners includes 18 prisoners serving life sentences, 54 prisoners with long sentences, and 111 prisoners from the Gaza Strip who were arrested after the October 7 attack.
This marks the fifth hostage-prisoner exchange under the initial phase of the ceasefire agreement. The previous four swaps resulted in Hamas releasing 18 Israeli hostages from Gaza, while Israel freed approximately 600 Palestinian prisoners.
Under the first, 42-day phase of the ceasefire agreement, which took effect on January 19, Hamas has committed to releasing 33 hostages in total, while Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The ongoing negotiations, facilitated by international mediators, are expected to play a crucial role in shaping further exchanges and extending the ceasefire agreement beyond its initial phase.
With this latest development, both sides remain under international scrutiny as they navigate the delicate balance of hostages and prisoners amid the broader conflict. The release of the three Israeli hostages and 183 Palestinian prisoners is anticipated to have significant implications for future negotiations and regional stability.
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