Hamas released three gaunt Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 200 Palestinian prisoners, prompting outrage in Israel due to the hostages' condition and the apparent duress they faced during a handover ceremony. The release coincides with pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu to extend the ceasefire beyond its current six-week phase, even as he has indicated a willingness to resume hostilities if it means leaving hostages in Hamas's custody.
Hamas -led militants released three visibly frail Israel i hostages on Saturday, while Israel freed almost 200 Palestinian prisoners in a latest exchange. The condition of the released hostages, who appeared emaciated and spoke in a handover ceremony orchestrated by Hamas , sparked outrage in Israel and intensified pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to extend the current six-week ceasefire.
Netanyahu has indicated his willingness to resume hostilities even if it means leaving numerous hostages in Hamas captivity. Before a large gathering, armed militants paraded Eli Sharabi, 52; Ohad Ben Ami, 56; and Or Levy, 34, onto a stage where they were compelled to deliver statements before being handed over to the Red Cross. These three civilian men were among the approximately 250 individuals abducted during the Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, which ignited the ongoing war. The initial joy experienced by some Israelis observing their release quickly transitioned into shock and tears upon witnessing their severely deteriorated physical condition. The men appeared to be in a more fragile state than the 18 hostages previously freed.Later on Saturday, Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners, some also displaying signs of malnutrition and weakness. The Red Crescent reported that seven of the released prisoners were transported to hospitals. The Red Cross expressed its growing concern regarding the conditions surrounding the release operations and appealed to all parties involved to ensure that releases are conducted with dignity and privacy. Many Palestinians released during the ceasefire have presented themselves as emaciated and pale, and have alleged mistreatment during their detention in Israeli custody. The hostages' condition and statements made under duress – a departure from previous releases – provoked widespread anger in Israel. Dr. Hagar Mizrahi, an Israeli Health Ministry representative, highlighted 'severe malnutrition' and 'significant weight loss.' 'We will not remain silent about this. A message has been passed on to the mediators, and action will be taken accordingly,' stated Gal Hirsch, Netanyahu's coordinator for hostages. Hamas's military wing, the Qassam Brigades, asserted that it had made every effort to preserve the hostages' lives 'despite the (Israeli) bombardment.
HAMAS ISRAEL CEASEFIRE HOSTAGES PALESTINIAN PRISONERS EXCHANGE NEYTANYA OUTRAGE
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