Updated On: 09 February, 2025 07:41 AM IST | Deir Al-Balah | Agencies
It was the first time hostages freed during this phase of the ceasefire have been made to make public statements during their release

Hostage Ohad Ben Ami, 56, appeared gaunt as armed Hamas fighters led him onto a stage set up in the town of Deir al-Balah. Pic/PTI
Hamas-led militants released three more hostages, all Israeli civilian men, to the Red Cross on Saturday, and Israel was to free dozens of Palestinian prisoners as part of a fragile agreement that has paused the war in the Gaza Strip.
The three hostages—Eli Sharabi, 52; Ohad Ben Ami, 56; and Or Levy, 34—appeared very gaunt and pale as armed Hamas fighters led them from a white van onto a stage set up in the town of Deir al-Balah. They will soon be taken for medical treatment and reunite with their relatives after 16 months in captivity. This was the fifth swap of hostages for prisoners since the ceasefire began on January 19.