Hamas Plans Release of Three Israeli Hostages Amid Ceasefire Talks

Hamas plans to release three Israeli hostages—Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami, and Or Levy—on Saturday as part of a fragile ceasefire agreement, marking the fifth exchange since the ceasefire began on January 19. The release of these hostages follows Israel’s decision to release 183 Palestinian prisoners, in line with the deal that aims to free a total of 33 hostages over time. Eli Sharabi, who lost his entire immediate family in the October 7 attack, and Ohad Ben Ami, whose wife was also captured but previously released, represent the ongoing human toll of the conflict. Or Levy was taken during a music festival massacre, with his wife killed during the attack. The agreement has sparked ongoing discussions regarding the broader implications of relocating Gaza's population after the war. Meanwhile, calls from U.S. and Israeli officials suggest a need for further negotiation as the situation develops.