Synopsis
The Israeli Defence Forces are ready to receive three hostages returning from Gaza as part of a ceasefire-hostage agreement. This exchange, involving the release of 183 Palestinian prisoners by Israel, marks a significant development in ongoing negotiations.Key Takeaways
- Israeli Air Force prepared for hostage reception.
- Three Israeli hostages identified for release.
- Hamas to receive 183 Palestinian prisoners in exchange.
- First phase of ceasefire includes multiple hostage exchanges.
- Previous exchanges have released numerous prisoners.
Jerusalem, Feb 8 (NationPress) The Israeli Defence Forces announced on Saturday afternoon that the nation's Air Force has finalized its preparations to welcome the abductees returning to Israel from the Gaza Strip.
Late Friday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that it received the names of three Israeli hostages set to be released by Hamas from Gaza on Saturday as part of a ceasefire-hostage agreement.
According to a statement from the IDF, "In line with the ceasefire implementation and the return of the kidnapped, forces from Division 162, Division 143, and Division 99 in the Southern Command were dispatched to various locations in the Gaza Strip to bolster the defensive measures for residents of the western Negev and the State of Israel."
Hamas has indicated that in return, Israel will release 183 Palestinian prisoners.
The three Israeli hostages returning home on Saturday, identified as Ohad Ben Ami (56), Eli Sharabi (52), and Or Levy (34), were taken hostage during a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
Reports have indicated that Ben Ami's wife was also taken the same day but was freed after 54 days in captivity as part of a prior hostage agreement.
The Prisoners' Media Office, linked to Hamas, announced on Friday that Israel will release 183 Palestinian prisoners. The press release stated that the list comprises 18 prisoners serving life sentences, 54 prisoners with lengthy sentences, and 111 prisoners from the Gaza Strip who were apprehended following the October 7 assault.
This marks the fifth hostage-prisoner exchange under the initial phase of the ceasefire agreement. The previous four exchanges led to the release of 18 hostages from Gaza and approximately 600 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
Effective January 19, the first, 42-day phase of the ceasefire agreement outlines that Hamas is to release 33 hostages, while Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
