Three Israeli Hostages Released in Fifth Gaza Swap amid Fragile Ceasefire

In a hopeful moment amidst ongoing conflict, Hamas handed over three Israeli hostages in a carefully coordinated exchange on Saturday, marking the fifth such swap under a fragile ceasefire. The hostages, Eli Sharabi, Or Levy, and Ohad Ben Ami, were received by the International Committee of the Red Cross in Deir el-Balah, Gaza.

Crowds in Tel Aviv erupted in cheers as live footage of the exchange was broadcast. The hostages, flanked by masked Hamas militants, appeared before a stage decorated with images of destroyed Israeli armored vehicles and a disheartened image of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas fighters stood guard, maintaining order as hundreds of onlookers gathered.

The swap is part of a larger agreement that also involves the release of 183 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel later in the day, offering a brief but significant respite for both sides.

The release comes at a time of heightened tension following US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to clear out Gaza and place the area under US control. The plan has been widely rejected by Hamas and sparked global outcry.

As the fragile ceasefire holds, the exchange of prisoners has been seen by many as a rare moment of diplomacy amidst the ongoing violence, raising hopes for further efforts toward peace.