Hamas has announced the names of three Israeli men who are set to be released from captivity in Gaza on Saturday as part of the fifth round of exchanges under the ongoing ceasefire agreement.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy will be freed on the 491st day of their captivity. In return, scores of Palestinian prisoners are also expected to be released.
Ben Ami, aged 56, was abducted from his home in Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, 2023. His wife, Raz Ben Ami, was also taken captive but was freed during a previous ceasefire in November 2023.
Sharabi, 52, was kidnapped from the same kibbutz, where his wife and daughters were tragically killed on the same day. His brother, Yossi Sharabi, who was also captured, passed away in Gaza, with his body still remaining there according to the Israeli military.
Levy, 34, was attending a music festival when he was abducted on the same day. His wife, Eynav, was killed in the attack.
As per the ceasefire agreement reached in Qatar last month, Hamas was to prioritize the release of women, children, the elderly, and those who are ill.
Since the ceasefire came into effect on January 19, Hamas and its allies have released a total of 18 hostages held in Gaza. In exchange, the Israeli government has released 583 Palestinians from detention, including some serving life sentences for serious crimes and a significant number of children held without public charge or trial.
Friday’s announcement of the upcoming release came after a delay, with Hamas accusing the Israeli government of stalling the implementation of the humanitarian protocol outlined in the agreement.
The United Nations has noted that challenges persist in delivering critical humanitarian aid to Gaza, although prices have decreased, and the distribution of supplies within Gaza has improved following the withdrawal of the Israeli military from urban areas.
