Hamas releases Israeli men during temporary ceasefire agreement.

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In a significant development during the ongoing Middle East conflict, Hamas released three Israeli hostages on Saturday as part of the continuing cease-fire agreement, though the exchange was marked by accusations from both sides about violations of the truce terms.

The freed captives, identified as Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami, and Or Levy, were transferred to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which has been facilitating these releases in Gaza.

For Sharabi, 52, the ordeal began when Hamas militants captured him from Kibbutz Be’eri during their devastating October 7 assault. The attack claimed the lives of his wife and teenage daughters, who were hiding in their safe room. His brother Yossi, also taken captive, later died in Gaza, where his remains are still held.

This is the tunnel where Hamas terrorists held 3 starved and frail Israeli men before they were released today.

The men looked unrecognizable and skeletal after 16 months in captivity. pic.twitter.com/HPurcFWn4t

— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) February 8, 2025

Ben Ami, 56, another Kibbutz Be’eri resident, was taken captive alongside his spouse Raz, who gained her freedom during the November cease-fire. Levy, 34, was seized during the Nova music festival massacre near Kibbutz Re’im, where terrorists killed at least 260 people, including his wife Eynav. Their young son Almog, now three, has been under the care of Levy’s parents since the attack.

As part of the exchange agreement, Israel will release 183 Palestinian prisoners, including 18 serving life sentences and 54 with lengthy terms, according to Hamas’s Friday announcement.

“We will not gloss over the shocking scenes that we saw today,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Saturday, expressing outrage at the visible poor condition of the released hostages, who appeared malnourished and weak during their appearance in Deir al-Balah.

This marks the fifth exchange since the truce began on January 19. The agreement encompasses a six-week cessation of hostilities, during which Hamas committed to releasing 33 hostages, starting with female Israeli civilians and soldiers, followed by men over 50 and those with severe illnesses, in exchange for over 1,900 Palestinian detainees.

⚡️Transfer of hostages to the Red Cross happening now

Hamas releases 3 Israelis, Eli Sharabi, Or Levy, and Ohad Ben Ami, in exchange for 183 Palestinians as part of a deal between the two parties. pic.twitter.com/jHdzE3SKue

— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) February 8, 2025

Of the original captives, 21 have been freed, including five Thai citizens taken during the October 7 attack. Currently, 76 hostages remain in Gaza, with approximately 30 believed to be deceased.

The latest exchange faced complications when Israel criticized Hamas for failing to provide the hostage list 24 hours before release, while Hamas accused Israel of blocking vital aid deliveries to Gaza, causing delays in sharing the hostages’ identities.

This temporary pause has brought a respite to 15 months of devastating conflict, which began with Hamas’s October 7 attack that resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and the capture of 251 hostages.