Hamas released six hostages, including two civilians held since 2013, as part of a fragile ceasefire agreement with Israel. The first two men freed were Tal Shoham and Avera Mengistu, who were handed over to the Red Cross and are currently on their way to Israel.
The releases came after nearly 10 years in captivity for Hisham Al-Sayed, an Israeli Bedouin who was kidnapped by Hamas in April 2015. The two men released earlier on Saturday crossed into Israeli territory and are being reunited with family members.
Three more hostages – Omer Wenkert, Omer Shem Tov, and Eliya Cohen – were also released in the central town of Nuseirat. They had been dressed in fake army uniforms when they were kidnapped.
President Donald Trump welcomed the news on Truth Social, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas would “pay the full price” for allegedly failing to return the body of a Palestinian woman who was initially promised to be handed over by Hamas.
The ceasefire deal remains fragile as Israel continues to investigate claims that Hamas had killed two hostages and failed to return their bodies. The incident highlights the difficulties in enforcing the terms of the agreement, which has been in place since October 7.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/hamas-releases-more-hostages-exchange-more-than-600-palestinian-prisoners-part-ceasefire-deal