Hamas released three Israeli hostages on Saturday, but the scene left many Israelis feeling uneasy and uncertain about the future of the truce agreement. The staged handover, where rifle-toting Hamas fighters prodded the gaunt captives to give short speeches, was seen as a humiliating experience by the families of those held captive.
The freed prisoners, including one whose wife and two daughters were killed during the Hamas-led attack, are in poor condition. One is severely malnourished, while another has been beaten on the head and other parts of his body. The Israeli military did not comment on allegations of abuse against these prisoners.
The release comes after several Palestinians who were freed under previous ceasefires were taken to hospitals, where they showed signs of abuse and poor health. Many of those released are believed to be involved in deadly attacks against Israelis, yet they are still seen as valiant fighters by many Palestinians.
Israeli forces raided the homes of several detained Hamas militants before their release, warning relatives not to celebrate their freedom. The Israeli prison service has denied allegations of mistreatment, but these incidents have raised concerns about the treatment of prisoners under the current truce.
Human rights organizations have called for the immediate release of all remaining captives, saying “everyone must be brought home”.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/08/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-hostages-prisoners.html