Tel Aviv: Militants led by Hamas released three frail and visibly emaciated Israeli hostages on Saturday, while Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners under a fragile agreement that has temporarily halted the war in Gaza.
The deteriorated condition of the hostages and the sight of Hamas forcing them to speak in a staged release ceremony have sparked outrage in Israel, potentially increasing pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to extend the ceasefire beyond its current six-week duration.
Netanyahu has previously indicated his intention to resume the war, even if it means leaving dozens of hostages in Hamas captivity.
Who are the released hostages?
Before a crowd of hundreds, armed Hamas fighters escorted Eli Sharabi, 52, Ohad Ben Ami, 56, and Or Levy, 34, onto a stage, where they were forced to make public statements before being handed over to the Red Cross.
The three civilian men were among approximately 250 people abducted during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which triggered the war. They appeared in significantly worse physical condition than the previous 18 hostages released since the ceasefire began on 19 January.
Later on Saturday, Israel began releasing dozens of Palestinian prisoners, some of whom also appeared frail and malnourished. The Red Crescent reported that seven of those released required hospital treatment.
Concerns over hostages’ condition
The visibly weakened state of the hostages and their forced public statements—an unusual move compared to earlier releases—sparked widespread anger in Israel.
“Israel views Hamas’ repeated violations with great severity, and the condition of the three hostages who were released this morning with even greater severity,” said Gal Hirsch, the Israeli prime minister’s coordinator for hostages.
“We will not remain silent about this. A message has been passed on to the mediators, and action will be taken accordingly.”
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid argued that the distressing scenes reinforced the need to extend the truce and secure the return of the remaining hostages.
In response to concerns over the hostages’ health, Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, claimed it had “made efforts to preserve their lives despite the (Israeli) bombardment.” Many Palestinians released from Israeli prisons during the ceasefire have also appeared weak and pale, with some alleging mistreatment in Israeli custody.
