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Hamas and Israel Continue Hostage-Prisoner Swaps Under Fragile Gaza Ceasefire

Three Israeli civilians and 183 Palestinian prisoners are set to be exchanged Saturday as part of an agreement halting the conflict until early March.

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Palestinians visit the grave of a relative at the cemetery in Gaza City Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, after collecting donated food. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Overview

  • Three Israeli hostages, Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami, and Or Levy, abducted during the October 2023 Hamas attack, will be released on Saturday.
  • In exchange, Israel will release 183 Palestinian prisoners, including individuals serving life sentences and long-term sentences for deadly attacks.
  • This marks the fifth prisoner-hostage exchange since the ceasefire began on January 19, with 18 hostages and over 550 Palestinian prisoners freed so far.
  • The ceasefire agreement’s first phase includes the release of 33 hostages, nearly 2,000 prisoners, and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.
  • Negotiations for a second phase are uncertain, with Hamas demanding an end to the war and Israeli withdrawal, while Israel remains committed to dismantling Hamas.