Six Hostages Freed from Hamas in Major Exchange
Israel redeems six hostages from Hamas captivity in Gaza đź”—
Six hostages have been freed from Hamas captivity in Gaza, including Eliya Cohen, Avera Mengistu, Hisham al-Sayed, Omer Shem Tov, Tal Shoham, and Omer Wenkert. Cohen, Shem Tov, Shoham, and Wenkert were captured during the October 7, 2023, attacks, while Mengistu and al-Sayed had been held for over a decade. Their release involved exchanges facilitated by the Red Cross, and they were returned to Israel for medical evaluations and reunions with their families. Families of the hostages expressed gratitude while urging for the safe return of others still held captive. In exchange, Israel is set to release 602 Palestinian prisoners, with many facing deportation.
- Six hostages were redeemed from Hamas, including four taken during the October 7 massacre.
- Their families expressed deep gratitude for their return and emphasized the need for privacy.
- Israel is set to release over 600 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages.
What is the significance of the hostages' release for their families?
The families expressed overwhelming gratitude and relief, emphasizing the emotional weight of their loved ones' return after long periods of suffering.
How many Palestinian prisoners is Israel set to release in exchange?
Israel plans to release 602 Palestinian prisoners, including some serving life sentences and others re-arrested after previous swaps.
What happened to the hostages after their release?
The hostages were handed over to Red Cross representatives and then taken for medical evaluations before reuniting with their families in Israel.