Hamas has confirmed it will release three Israeli hostages on Saturday, February 8, 2025. The release is part of a hostage swap between Hamas and Israel under a ceasefire deal. Along with the three Israeli hostages, 183 Palestinian prisoners will also be freed. This includes 111 Gazans who were detained after Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023.
The three Israeli hostages are Eli Sharabi, Or Levy, and Ohad Ben Ami. Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both confirmed their names. After the swap, an Israeli team will travel to Doha to discuss the ceasefire further.
Details of the Ceasefire Deal
This swap is part of a broader ceasefire deal. Qatar, Egypt, and the United States helped mediate it. The goal is to free 33 hostages in the first 42 days of the agreement. So far, four swaps have been made. They have freed 18 Israeli hostages and about 600 Palestinian prisoners.
Trump’s Gaza Proposal
The hostage swap news comes amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza. Trump wants to control Gaza and move its people out. Many in the region, including Hamas, strongly oppose this plan.
Despite the backlash, Trump said he would not rush the plan. He added that no U.S. military action would be needed. Israel is also preparing for the voluntary relocation of Gazans to other countries.
Reactions to the Gaza Plan
Netanyahu supports Trump’s plan. He called it the “first original idea” in years. However, Hamas and other groups disagree. Hazem Qassem, a Hamas spokesperson, called the plan an attempt to “occupy” Gaza. Egypt also warned that the plan might hurt peace talks and start more conflict.
The Ongoing Conflict
This ceasefire deal is an important step. The war started with Hamas’s attack. Many lives have been lost on both sides. In Gaza, at least 47,583 people have died, mostly civilians.
As the ceasefire moves forward, the world is watching. People hope for peace, but many challenges remain, especially for Gaza’s future.
