DaysofPal- On Saturday, Hamas’s Al-Qassam Brigades handed over three Israeli captives to the International Committee of the Red Cross as part of the fifth prisoner exchange under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
The three released captives were identified as Eliyahu Datson Sharabi, Or Abraham Levy, and Ohad Ben Ami. In return, Israeli authorities are set to release 183 Palestinian prisoners, including 18 serving life sentences.
With this latest exchange, Hamas has now handed over 16 Israeli captives as part of the ongoing deal, which involves a reciprocal release of Palestinian and Israeli prisoners. The handover took place in Deir al-Balah, a central Gaza city that has suffered heavy bombardment throughout the conflict. This marks the first time a prisoner exchange has occurred in this region.
Footage of the transfer showed the captives in good health. One of the released captives expressed gratitude for their treatment, stating: “I thank Al-Qassam Brigades because they saved our lives and gave us food and water. The only way to return the prisoners to their homes is to continue the negotiations and implement the deal.”
Meanwhile, attention remains on the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in previous exchanges. The International Committee of the Red Cross criticized Israel’s handling of Palestinian detainees released in the last prisoner swap, highlighting that they were shackled and forced to walk with their hands raised behind their heads, a position described as painful and degrading.
As the next round of Palestinian prisoner releases is set to take place in a few hours, Israeli authorities have moved to suppress any celebrations in the West Bank. The Israeli army radio reported that the security establishment has ordered a ban on celebratory marches.
Additionally, Israeli forces reportedly raided the homes of prisoners scheduled for release, warning families against public gatherings.
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