Hamas announced that it would delay the planned release of Israeli hostages, falsely citing alleged Israeli violations of the hostage-ceasefire deal. Israeli officials responded by confirming that Israel has upheld the terms of the deal, arguing that Hamas’s delay is a significant violation of the deal. Hostage families are concerned that any delay will jeopardize the release of the remaining 76 hostages, many of whom may need critical medical care.

After 491 days in captivity, three hostages who were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, have been released. Eli Sharabi (52), Or Levy (34), and Ohad Ben Ami (56), appeared frail and emaciated as they were escorted back into Israel by the IDF. Levy and Sharabi returned to learn that their family members had been murdered on October 7 — Levy’s wife and Sharabi’s wife and two daughters.

Israeli officials have confirmed the names of three male hostages who are set to be released on Saturday- Eli Sharabi (52), Or Levy (34), and Ohad Ben Ami (56). This announcement follows a delay from Hamas in disclosing the names of the hostages, a violation of the hostage-ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

Three hostages have been released after 484 days in Hamas captivity. Ofer Calderon (54), Kieth Siegel (65), and Yarden Bibas (35) have safely returned to Israel, where they were reunited with their families. Bibas’s wife and two young children remain in captivity, with their condition unknown.

Israeli officials confirmed that three hostages—Ofer Calderon (54), Kieth Siegel (65), and Yarden Bibas (35), whose wife and two young children are still being held by Hamas—will be released on Saturday. Hamas has claimed that Yarden Bibas’ wife and children were killed in captivity; however, Israel has not confirmed this claim.

Three Israeli hostages, including Agam Berger (20), Arbel Yehoud (29), and Gadi Mozes (80), along with five Thai nationals, Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak have been released from Hamas captivity and safely escorted back into Israel by the IDF despite aggressive crowds in Gaza.