Hamas names next hostages to be released
Hamas released the name of the next hostage to be released in Gaza on Saturday in exchange for the Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
They are 52-year-old male civilian Eli Sharabi, 56-year-old Ohad Ben Ami, and 34-year-old.
18 people have been released since the ceasefire began on January 19. Israel released 383 prisoners. Hamas said another 183 people will be released on Saturday.
About 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners will be released at the end of the three-week ceasefire period. Israel says eight out of 33 people died. Hamas captured 251 people and killed about 1,200 people when attacking Israel on October 7, 2023, triggering the war.
According to Gaza Hamas-ruling Ministry of Health, at least 47,500 Palestinians were killed in Israeli offensives. The United Nations said about two-thirds of Gaza’s buildings have been damaged or destroyed by Israeli attacks.
Eli Sharabi was taken away from Kibbutz Beeri along with his brother Yossi, and was later confirmed dead. Eli’s wife and two daughters were murdered in the attack.
Ohad Ben Ami is also taken away from Kibbutz Beeri with his wife Raz. She was later released by Hamas.
Or Rishon Leziom, a city south of Tel Aviv, fled Nova Festival with his wife Eynav, when gunmen attacked the event. Mr. Levy was taken hostage and Eynav’s body was found in the hidden bomb shelter of the couple.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said authorities have received a list of kidnappers scheduled to be released on Saturday, and their families have been informed.
Earlier Friday, the Hostages and Missing Family Forum headquarters welcomed the “expected release of news” of the three hostages.
“We will not give up or stop at any stage until all hostages return to their homes under the current agreement – until the last item – the rehabilitation of life and proper burial of the deceased,” the statement said.
Hours before the hostage name was released, Hamas accused Israel of failing to keep its promises to increase the amount of humanitarian aid in Gaza as part of the ceasefire agreement.
According to media reports, Salama Marouf said at a press conference held in Gaza, “The humanitarian situation has caused a catastrophic disaster due to Israeli obstacles. .”
He said that only 8,500 of the expected 12,000 aid trucks entered Gaza since the ceasefire came into effect, and medical equipment and shelters were deliberately delayed.
The allegations contradicted the UN Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher, who said Thursday 10,000 trucks with food, medicine and tents He has been known as a “mass surge” since the ceasefire began.
