Hamas has named three Israeli hostages set to be released on Saturday as part of the ongoing ceasefire prisoner exchanges in Gaza, marking the fifth such swap since the truce began.
The hostages—Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami, and Or Levy—were identified in a Telegram post by Hamas’ armed wing spokesperson, Abu Obeida.
Ben Ami and Sharabi were taken from Kibbutz Be’eri during Hamas’ October 7 attack, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 250 kidnappings. Levy was abducted from the Nova music festival.
As part of the exchange, Israel will release 183 Palestinian prisoners. Among them, 18 are serving life sentences, 54 are serving long terms, and the majority—111—were detained in Gaza during the current conflict.
Sharabi’s wife, Lianne Sharabi, originally from Bristol, was killed in the October 7 attack along with their daughters, 16-year-old Noiya and 13-year-old Yahel, according to a statement from the family’s lawyer. His brother also reportedly died while being held hostage.
“The Sharabi family has already lost too much,” the lawyer said in a statement. “It is long past time to bring Eli home.”
Tensions flared on Friday as Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement by delaying the entry of humanitarian aid, including food, tents, and mobile homes, into Gaza. The militant group claimed the restrictions amounted to “clear manipulation of relief and shelter priorities.”
COGAT, the Israeli military agency overseeing aid deliveries, denied the accusations, stating that Israel “will not tolerate violations by Hamas.”
The dispute underscores the fragile nature of the truce, which remains uncertain amid ongoing hostilities and political statements. U.S. President Donald Trump recently suggested that the United States could take control of Gaza and relocate the Palestinian population, further fueling controversy.
Israeli military actions in Gaza have resulted in more than 47,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health officials, and have displaced the majority of the strip’s population.
