Tel Aviv, Israel, February 8: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Saturday that three hostages released by Hamas were on their way to Israel, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment. The release was part of a deal that included the exchange of Palestinian prisoners.
The IDF posted on X, stating, “The 3 returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment. The IDF salutes and embraces the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel.”
The hostages, identified as Eli Sharabi, Or Levy, and Ohad Ben Ami, were handed over by Hamas to the International Red Cross. The Red Cross then coordinated the transfer of the hostages to IDF and Shin Bet forces in Gaza, from where they will be moved out of the Gaza Strip.
Upon their release, the hostages appeared frail and gaunt after being subjected to a propaganda ceremony by Hamas. During the event, a Hamas operative delivered a fiery speech and announced the release, while the hostages were forced to make statements. The stage was adorned with captions in Arabic, Hebrew, and English, including one directed at U.S. President Donald Trump, referencing his announcement that the U.S. would “take over” Gaza.
Family members of the released hostages were emotional, with some visibly distressed by the appearance of their loved ones. Ohad Ben Ami’s mother, Michal Cohen, expressed her heartbreak, stating, “He looks terrible. He is 57, but he looks ten years older. It is so sad for me to see him like this.” Or Levy’s brother, Tal Levy, noted his brother’s condition, saying, “He looks very, very thin, and it’s indeed very difficult to see him, but he’s coming back and he’ll recover.”
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has urged the release of other Israeli hostages still held by Hamas, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Meanwhile, Israel is preparing for the release of 183 Palestinian security prisoners as part of the ongoing exchange, including some who have been serving life sentences. The prisoners will be released from various locations, including Keziot and Ofer prisons, and some will be deported after their release.