Gaza (Web Desk/Agencies): A significant development took place on Saturday as Hamas released three Israeli hostages after more than a year in captivity.
In exchange, Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners, marking the fourth such swap under a temporary ceasefire that has brought a rare pause to 15 months of intense conflict.
The three hostages, Yarden Bibas, Ofer Kalderon (a French-Israeli citizen), and Keith Siegel (an American-Israeli), were handed over to Red Cross officials in the Gaza Strip. Bibas and Kalderon were released in the southern city of Khan Younis, while Siegel was brought to Gaza City.
These individuals were initially abducted during the deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The release brings the total number of hostages freed since the ceasefire began on January 19 to 18.
The hostage releases on Saturday were more orderly than those earlier in the week, which saw a chaotic scene involving armed militants and a crowd pushing to get close to the freed captives.
This time, armed and masked Hamas men formed a line to ensure the safe handover of the hostages, who walked onto a stage, waved, and were then escorted to the Red Cross for their transfer.
Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, thousands of people gathered at a public square to watch the releases, their cheers echoing as the events were broadcast live.
Shortly after Siegel's arrival in Israel, a bus carrying 32 Palestinian prisoners left Ofer Military Prison, bound for the West Bank.
The bus was met with jubilant crowds, with family members and supporters lifting the freed prisoners in celebration.
The Israeli Prison Authority confirmed that all 183 prisoners slated for release were set free, with most being sent to Gaza. Over two dozen others were released to the West Bank, and a small number, including those serving life sentences, were transferred to Egypt for deportation.
This release is part of a broader ceasefire agreement, which is currently holding after two weeks, allowing critical humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza and permitting many displaced Palestinians to return to their homes in northern Gaza.
During the first phase of the ceasefire, 33 Israeli hostages are expected to be released in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, though Israel has confirmed that eight hostages were killed either during the initial attack or while in captivity.
The ceasefire is scheduled to enter a new phase next week, with talks aimed at negotiating a longer-term agreement, including the release of remaining hostages. If a deal cannot be reached, there is concern that the fighting may resume by March.
