Three Israeli men held captive in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attack await their imminent freedom as part of the ongoing hostage exchange.
According to BBC, Hamas has disclosed the identities of Eli Sharabi, 52, Ohad Ben Ami, 56, and Or Levy, 34, who are scheduled for release on Saturday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
The announcement brings the total number of hostages freed since January 19 to 21, with Israel releasing 383 Palestinian prisoners in return. Hamas indicates that an additional 183 prisoners will be freed on Saturday as part of the exchange agreement.
Eli Sharabi's release carries a heavy emotional weight, as his return comes after learning of the deaths of his British-born wife, Lianne, and their two daughters, Noiya and Yahel, during the October 7 attack. His brother Yossi, who was also taken captive, has been confirmed dead.
Stephen Brisley, Sharabi's brother-in-law from Wales, expressed his feelings about the anticipated release. He stated:
Eli coming home alive would be perhaps the greatest memorial to Lianne and the girls and we're so close to achieving that now.
Ohad Ben Ami's story reflects a partial family reunion, as his wife Raz, who was also taken from Kibbutz Beeri, has already been released.
The Hostages Families Forum describes Ben Ami, an accountant, as someone known for his positive personality traits.
Hamas has raised concerns about Israel's compliance with the ceasefire agreement regarding humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. The organization's media office head, Salama Marouf, claims only 8,500 of the expected 12,000 aid trucks have entered Gaza since the truce began.
This assertion contradicts statements from UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, who reported that 10,000 trucks carrying essential supplies had entered Gaza during the ceasefire period. The discrepancy in these numbers highlights ongoing tensions between the parties.
The broader impact of Israel's military response has resulted in significant casualties and infrastructure damage. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry reports at least 47,500 Palestinian deaths, while UN assessments indicate approximately two-thirds of Gaza's buildings have been damaged or destroyed.
The current exchange agreement aims to free 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners by the end of the first stage of the ceasefire in three weeks. Israel has confirmed that eight of the expected 33 hostages are deceased.
The October 7 Hamas attack resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the capture of 251 hostages. This ongoing hostage crisis has become a central focus of diplomatic efforts to maintain the ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery.
Netanyahu's office has confirmed receiving the list of hostages scheduled for Saturday's release, with affected families already notified of their loved ones' impending return. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum maintains its commitment to securing the release of all remaining captives, emphasizing the importance of proper burial for the deceased and rehabilitation for survivors.
