Hamas released five of the six hostages it had planned to free in Gaza on a Saturday, with the first two—Tar Shoham and Avera Mengäthu—let go in South Gaza’s Rafa early in the day. The Israeli Defense Forces stated that these hostages were subsequently transferred to Israel via the Red Cross. Later, three more hostages—Elijah Cohen, Omer Shem Tov, and Omer Wenkart—were handed over in Nuseirat amidst a heavily orchestrated event featuring Hamas fighters and supporters. While the released individuals appeared thin, their conditions were comparatively better than some previous hostages, raising concern in Israel.
Additionally, Hisham Al-Seid, another hostage with noted mental health issues, was supposed to be released but is now expected to be freed elsewhere. Hamas is reportedly seeking the release of 602 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages. The current releases mark the final exchanges agreed upon during ceasefire talks mediated in Qatar. Following the releases, Hamas continues to detain 63 Israeli hostages, with at least 32 believed dead, as negotiations for extending the ceasefire continue. Hamas has indicated a willingness to release all remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
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