Hamas Hands Over Three More Israeli Captives in Prisoner Swap Deal
Gaza (Quds News Network)- Hamas’s Al-Qassam Brigades handed over on Saturday three more Israeli captives to the International Red Cross as part of the fifth prisoner exchange deal under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement. Preparations are also underway to release 183 Palestinian prisoners.
The handover took place in Central Gaza’s Deir al-Balah city, amidst a heavy presence of fighters from the Al-Qassam Brigades. The three captives are Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy.
Breaking | Al-Qassam Brigades hand over the three Israeli prisoners dressed in military uniform to the Red Cross in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza Strip. pic.twitter.com/Pg4rhySwCb
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) February 8, 2025
The captives stood alongside resistance fighters on a platform with the writing “We’re the flood.. The war’s next day” and “The total victory,” where a handover agreement was signed between a Hamas representative and the Red Cross.
Meanwhile, Israel is preparing to free 183 Palestinian prisoners, including 18 who have been serving life sentences, 54 serving long sentences, and 111 who were abducted in the Gaza Strip during the assault.
Earlier, Hamas had accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire accord, saying it had delayed the entry of hundreds of trucks carrying food and other humanitarian supplies agreed under the truce deal that took effect on January 19, and holding back all but a fraction of the tents and mobile homes needed to provide shelter to people returning to their destroyed homes.
“This demonstrates clear manipulation of relief and shelter priorities,” Hamas said in a statement.
The initial phase of the agreement, which spans 42 days, aims to exchange 33 Israeli captives for 1,900 Palestinians in three stages. So far, 18 captives have been released, including 5 Thai nationals.
