Washington DC [US], February 9: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated President Donald Trump’s firm stance, demanding that Hamas release all hostages immediately. “The President was clear – Hamas MUST release ALL hostages NOW!” Rubio stated in a White House post on X.
This demand came after Israel confirmed the return of three hostages released by Hamas as part of a negotiated exchange. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Saturday that Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy had been handed over to the Red Cross, who escorted them to Israeli territory. Upon arrival, they were met by IDF and Shin Bet forces and scheduled for initial medical evaluations. The hostages, who had been held in Gaza, appeared visibly weakened, and their frail condition raised concern among their families.
The Times of Israel reported that Hamas staged a public event before their release, forcing the hostages to participate in a propaganda display. A masked Hamas operative delivered a speech while the three men were paraded on stage holding certificates. Behind them, banners in Arabic, Hebrew, and English read: “We’re the flood, the war’s next day,” which appeared to be a message directed at US President Donald Trump following his recent declaration that the US would “take over” Gaza.
The emotional toll on the families was evident as they reacted to the return of their loved ones. Ohad Ben Ami’s mother, Michal Cohen, expressed her anguish at seeing her son frail and aged beyond his years. Or Levy’s brother, Tal Levy, noted his brother’s emaciated state but stressed the importance of continuing efforts to bring all hostages home. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the urgency of securing the release of those still held captive.
As part of the exchange deal, Israel has prepared to release 183 Palestinian security prisoners from Keziot Prison in the Negev and Ofer Prison in the West Bank. This group includes 18 prisoners serving life sentences, with seven slated for deportation. Of the 183 detainees, 111 were arrested in Gaza during the ongoing war, while the remaining 72 are from the West Bank and East Jerusalem.