In a significant development related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire, six Israeli hostages were liberated on Saturday in exchange for over 600 Palestinian prisoners. The release occurred in two stages, with the first two hostages, Tal Shoham, 40, and Avera Mengistu, 39, being brought to a stage before a crowd, flanked by masked gunmen, before being handed over to the Red Cross. Video footage depicted the two men appearing frail and apprehensive.
Following this, three additional hostages, Omer Wenkert, 23, Omer Shem Tov, 22, and Eliya Cohen, 27, were freed in Nuseirat, a town in central Gaza. Although not soldiers at the time of their capture, they were dressed in imitation military uniforms. They were also transported to Israel via Red Cross vehicles. The sixth hostage, Hisham Al-Sayed, 36, was subsequently released later that day.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Security Agency confirmed the release of the five initial hostages, stating they had entered Israeli territory in two groups. A later statement confirmed the transfer of the remaining hostage. The IDF and ISA were prepared to receive the returning individuals and reunite them with their families.
Two of the freed hostages, Mengistu and Al-Sayed, are civilians who entered Gaza independently over a decade ago, long before the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Shoham's family expressed relief at his release, highlighting the emotional mix of the moment and calling for continued efforts to bring all hostages and remains home. Mengistu's family, who endured over ten years of uncertainty, requested privacy as they awaited his return.
This hostage release comes amid the fragile ceasefire established a month prior, despite the recent controversy surrounding the return of hostage Shiri Bibas. Initially, Hamas allegedly returned the incorrect remains, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to vow repercussions. The remains of Bibas, along with her sons Ariel and Kfir, and Oded Lifshitz were eventually returned. Hamas attributed the initial error to the chaotic aftermath of Israeli airstrikes, claiming no intention to withhold any bodies. However, the Israeli military alleges that the Bibas boys were killed by Hamas "with their bare hands," a claim they have not publicly substantiated with evidence.
