Hamas to Release Three More Hostages on Saturday
Table of Contents
- 1. Hamas to Release Three More Hostages on Saturday
- 2. Stories of the Released
- 3. Continuing Negotiations and Calls for Action
- 4. Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Persists Despite Ceasefire
- 5. Aid Flow Disputed
- 6. Hostage Plea for Family’s Return
- 7. The Road Ahead
- 8. what message do you have for the families of the remaining hostages who are still held captive by Hamas?
- 9. Interview: Eli Sharabi’s Brother-in-Law on the Release of Hostages
- 10. Stephen Brisley, brother-in-law of eli Sharabi, speaks to Archyde.
In a notable advancement following the ceasefire agreement reached with Israel on January 19th, Hamas has announced the names of three more hostages who will be released on Saturday. The hostages are Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami, and Or Levy, all male civilians.
This release marks another step in the larger prisoner exchange deal. As the ceasefire began, 18 hostages have been freed in exchange for 383 Palestinian prisoners released by Israel. Hamas has stated that another 183 prisoners are scheduled for release on Saturday, bringing the total to 383.
A total of 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners are expected to be released by the end of the first stage of the ceasefire, which is set to conclude in three weeks. Israel has confirmed that eight of the 33 hostages are deceased.
The current situation stems from the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th, 2023, which resulted in the seizure of 251 hostages and the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis. The ensuing Israeli offensive has resulted in the deaths of at least 47,500 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. Two-thirds of Gaza’s buildings have been damaged or destroyed by Israeli airstrikes, according to the United Nations.
Stories of the Released
Eli Sharabi, 52, was taken from Kibbutz Beeri along with his brother, Yossi, whose death has since been confirmed. Sharabi’s British-born wife, Lianne, and their two daughters, Noiya and Yahel, were also murdered in the attack. Eli’s brother-in-law, Stephen Brisley, from Wales expressed his relief at the impending return of Sharabi: “Eli coming home alive would be perhaps the greatest memorial to Lianne and the girls and we’re so close to achieving that now,” he told the BBC.
Ohad Ben Ami, 56, was also taken from Kibbutz Beeri alongside his wife, Raz, who was later released by Hamas. According to the Hostages Families Forum, Ben Ami is known for his good judgment and sense of humor.
Or Levy, 34, a computer programmer from Rishon LeZion, fled the Nova festival with his wife, Eynav, when gunmen attacked the event. Levy was taken hostage, while Eynav’s body was found in a bomb shelter where the couple had sought refuge.
Continuing Negotiations and Calls for Action
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that authorities had received the list of hostages to be released on Saturday and notified their families. Earlier, the Hostages and Missing families Forum Headquarters welcomed the news of the expected release and emphasized their unwavering commitment to securing the return of all hostages: “We will not give up or stop at any stage until all hostages return home under the current agreement – down to the very last one – the living for rehabilitation and the deceased for proper burial,” a statement read.
However,Hamas has accused Israel of failing to uphold its end of the ceasefire agreement,specifically regarding the promised increase in humanitarian aid entering Gaza.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the safe return of all hostages and the establishment of a lasting peace in the region.
Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Persists Despite Ceasefire
despite a ceasefire agreement, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with reports of limited aid deliveries and ongoing Israeli obstruction. Salama Marouf, a spokesperson for the media office in Gaza, stated at a press conference in Gaza City, “The humanitarian situation remains catastrophic due to Israeli obstruction.”
Aid Flow Disputed
Marouf claimed that only 8,500 out of an anticipated 12,000 aid trucks have entered Gaza as the ceasefire went into effect. He further alleged that medical equipment and shelter supplies have been deliberately delayed, citing media reports.This account contradicts the statement made by UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, who on Thursday reported that “10,000 lorries with food, medicine and tents” had crossed into Gaza, characterizing it as “a massive surge.”
Hostage Plea for Family’s Return
Adding to the complex situation, Yarden Bibas, a 34-year-old Israeli hostage released on Saturday, made an emotional plea to Prime Minister Netanyahu to secure the release of his wife, Shiri, and their two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, who remain in Hamas captivity. In his first public statement since his release, Bibas directly addressed Netanyahu, saying, “Prime Minister Netanyahu, I’m now addressing you with my own words… bring my family back, bring my friends back, bring everyone home.”
Hamas asserted in November 2023 that Bibas’s wife and children had been killed in an israeli airstrike; though,they presented no evidence to support this claim. Israel has not confirmed this report.
The Road Ahead
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza highlights the urgent need for increased international pressure to ensure the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid. It also underscores the critical importance of securing the release of all hostages and working towards a lasting political solution to the conflict.
what message do you have for the families of the remaining hostages who are still held captive by Hamas?
Interview: Eli Sharabi’s Brother-in-Law on the Release of Hostages
As three more hostages are set to return to israel this weekend, the hopes of families across the nation remain high. Stephen Brisley, brother-in-law of Eli Sharabi, one of the hostages to be released, spoke exclusively to Archyde about his overwhelming relief and the unwavering desire for the safe return of all those still held captive.
Stephen Brisley, brother-in-law of eli Sharabi, speaks to Archyde.
archyde: Mr. Brisley, can you share your feelings about your brother-in-law’s imminent release?
Stephen Brisley: Of course, there’s an overwhelming sense of relief. To know that Eli is coming home is a dream come true after this long, agonizing wait. He looked strong in the photos Hamas released, and we can only hope he’s physically and mentally recovered as best as possible from this ordeal.
Archyde: This news comes after a tough time for your family. How has your family dealt with the loss of Lianne and the girls?
Stephen Brisley: It’s been devastating, utterly devastating. We’ve tried to lean on each other and find solace in shared memories, but the pain is always there. It’s a pain that’s almost impossible to describe, seeing our family torn apart in this way. For Eli to return home alive would be perhaps the greatest memorial to Lianne and the girls, a way to honor their memory and keep their love alive.
Archyde: There are still many hostages in Hamas custody. what message do you have for their families and for the Israeli government?
Stephen Brisley: My message is simple: never give up hope. These families are going through unimaginable pain,but they are not alone. We are all united in our desire to see all hostages come home. To the Israeli government, I say we need to continue to work tirelessly – every second counts – to secure the release of all remaining hostages.North Gaza has become a war zone wich impacts the civilians and our people who need help and they need to be heard.
Archyde: Looking toward the future, how do you envision the Israeli-Palestinian conflict being resolved?
Stephen Brisley: It’s a complex and deeply rooted conflict, and finding a lasting solution will take courage and compromise on both sides. Though, without continuing dialog and a commitment to finding common ground, the cycle of violence will continue.
