Six Hostages Released in Latest Phase of Gaza Ceasefire Deal

On Saturday, six hostages were released from Hamas captivity, marking a significant development in the ongoing hostage negotiations. The released individuals included Tal Shoham, Omer Shem Tov, Omer Wenkert, and Eliya Cohen, who had been held for 505 days. Additionally, Avera Mengistu and Hisham Al-Sayed, who had been in captivity since 2014 and 2015 respectively, were also freed.

Shoham and Mengistu were released in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, while Shem Tov, Wenkert, and Cohen were freed in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Al-Sayed’s release took place in Gaza City. This marked the first time hostages were released from both Nuseirat and Rafah, with the transfer being part of the seventh wave of the ongoing hostage deal.

Hamas organized a controversial propaganda ceremony for the release, displaying provocative images and captions in both Rafah and Nuseirat. Shoham, in particular, was forced to give a speech during the event before he and Mengistu were handed over to the Red Cross. Shoham appeared visibly frail, while Mengistu seemed in relatively stable condition. Following their release, they were transported to Israel for medical treatment and a reunion with their families.

In a separate development, Hamas also facilitated the release of Palestinian security prisoners from Israeli jails. Reports indicated that 602 prisoners were set to be freed, including several Hamas leaders and prisoners previously released in the 2011 Gilad Shalit deal.

While Israel welcomed the return of its citizens, the release of hostages like Shoham and Mengistu highlighted the ongoing struggles of families who have endured years of trauma. Both families expressed deep emotional relief and gratitude, with calls for continued efforts to secure the return of all hostages.

Meanwhile, the forensic team that identified the remains of Shiri Bibas confirmed that her body did not die from an Israeli airstrike, contrary to Hamas's previous claims. The body was handed over by Hamas to the Red Cross, who later transferred it to Israel.