Hamas releases six Israeli captives in Gaza as part of ceasefire deal

In the final exchange of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement between the Palestinian organization Hamas and Israel, Hamas released six Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. This release marks a key advancement in the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, aimed at easing tensions between the two sides. This progress provides a foundation for further negotiations and de-escalation efforts.

The first two hostages released, Tal Shoham and Aviva Mengistu, were handed over to the Red Cross on Saturday in Rafah, southern Gaza, under the escort of armed Hamas fighters. Subsequently, three more hostages – Elia Cohen, Omer Wenkert, and Omer Shem Tov – were released to Red Cross officials in a separate ceremony in Nuseirat, central Gaza. Hisham al-Sayed, the last hostage handed over to the Red Cross on Saturday, is a 37-year-old Bedouin Israeli who was captured after entering Gaza in April 2015. These releases demonstrate a commitment to the agreed-upon terms of the ceasefire.

These six were the last batch of the 33 hostages scheduled to be released in the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, which took effect on January 19. Al Jazeera's Hani Mahmoud reported from Nuseirat that a large crowd gathered to witness the release of the three hostages. He noted that the Qassam Brigades had increased manpower to maintain order and ensure the security of the release process. The scene in Nuseirat appeared more organized compared to previous handovers, indicating improved coordination.

The Al Jazeera reporter also stated that Hamas did not explain why it changed its plans at the last minute, as four hostages were originally scheduled to be released in Nuseirat. Professor Sami Al-Arian of Istanbul Zaim University, in an interview with Al Jazeera before the release, said that the carefully orchestrated handover ceremonies were a way for Hamas to demonstrate its identity as a responsible stakeholder, aiming to "show the world that they are trying to keep them [hostages] alive and ensure their safety." This strategic approach aims to garner international support and legitimacy.

It is expected that Israel will release 602 Palestinians held in its prisons later on Saturday. According to Hamas, this includes 445 people detained by Israeli forces during the Gaza war, as well as dozens of people serving long-term or life sentences. Previously, the incident of a body mistakenly identified as Shiri Bibas' remains, released on Thursday, had threatened the fragile ceasefire agreement. Shiri Bibas and her two young sons and husband were captured in the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Hamas handed over Bibas' remains late Friday, and her family stated that they had confirmed that it was her body, bringing closure to a tragic chapter.