Israel Frees 183 Palestinian Prisoners Following Release of Three Hamas Hostages

The release of the hostages, held for over 16 months, reveals harrowing conditions as Israel and Hamas discuss extending the fragile ceasefire.

Three Israeli hostages, Ohad Ben Ami, Or Levy, and Eli Sharabi, were released by Hamas after 491 days of captivity, appearing severely malnourished and traumatized.
In exchange, Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners, including individuals detained during the Gaza conflict and others serving long sentences.
The Israeli military withdrew from the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza, allowing displaced residents to return to the north, though the area remains heavily damaged.
Negotiations in Qatar, mediated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, aim to extend the ceasefire and secure the release of remaining hostages, but progress is criticized as slow and limited in scope.
The public and officials in Israel expressed outrage over Hamas's staged presentation of the hostages during their release, calling it a cruel propaganda display.