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Hamas releases 5 Israeli hostages under fragile ceasefire
The freed hostages were handed over to the Red Cross

Hamas releases 5 Israeli hostages under fragile ceasefire

Feb 22, 2025
05:54 pm

What's the story

The Palestinian militant group Hamas has released five of six Israeli hostages who were slated to be released on Saturday as part of a ceasefire deal with Israel. The freed hostages were handed over to the Red Cross for transport to Israeli forces. The first two released were Tal Shoham, 40, and Avera Mengistu, 39, in Rafah, southern Gaza.

Hostage background

Details of the released hostages and their abduction

Shoham was abducted in an attack on Kibbutz Be'eri in October 2023 along with his wife and two children—who were subsequently released. Meanwhile, Mengistu had been held since he voluntarily entered Gaza in 2014. Later, three more hostages—Omer Wenkert, Omer Shem Tov, and Eliya Cohen—were released in Nuseirat, central Gaza. The men were kidnapped during the Nova music festival attack on October 7, 2023.

Emotional reunion

Families rejoice as hostages are released

The families of the hostages were overjoyed at their release. Shem Tov's grandmother was heard exclaiming, "Omer, my joy! My life!" A sixth hostage, Hesham al-Sayed, is also expected to be released as part of an exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. This is the first phase of a ceasefire deal that began on January 19, including the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners by Israel.

Agreement violation

Ceasefire agreement faces challenges amid misidentification

The ceasefire agreement hit a snag when Hamas first mistook a body it handed over as that of Shiri Bibas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the incident as "a cruel and malicious violation" of the agreement. However, Hamas has said it will release four more bodies next week to conclude this phase of the ceasefire, maintaining that further releases hinge on a lasting ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Conflict aftermath

Conflict between Israel and Hamas results in significant casualties

The conflict has left Gaza in ruins and caused heavy casualties. More than 48,000 Palestinians have died, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Israel claims to have killed over 17,000 Hamas fighters but has not substantiated these numbers. The war has displaced most of Gaza's population and left widespread destruction in its wake. Despite the current lull, a permanent resolution remains uncertain as tensions continue to simmer between Israel and Hamas.