Five hostages have been freed by Hamas, while Israel confirmed earlier today that the body handed over hours before belonged to hostage Shiri Bibas.
A sixth hostage, identified as 36-year-old Hisham Al-Sayed, who has been held in Gaza since 2015, is expected to be released later today.
Later, three more hostages—Eliya Cohen, 27, Omer Shem Tov, 22, and Omer Wenkert, 23—were brought onto a stage in Nuseirat refugee camp ahead of their transfer to the Red Cross. The men waved to the crowd while holding their release certificates before being officially handed over.
Israel’s military confirmed their safe return a short time later.
However, late yesterday, Hamas transferred another body, which Bibas' family confirmed was hers. Bibas was abducted along with her husband and two young sons during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
The latest developments mark the conclusion of the first stage of the hostage release agreement, but uncertainty remains over what will happen next in the ongoing conflict.
"Last night, our Shiri was returned home," the family said in a statement, which said she had been identified by Israel's Institute of Forensic Medicine.
A sixth hostage, identified as 36-year-old Hisham Al-Sayed, who has been held in Gaza since 2015, is expected to be released later today.
Hostages Released in Two Separate Transfers
Earlier this morning, masked militants in Rafah paraded Tal Shoham, 40, and Averu Mengistu, 39, on stage before handing them over to Red Cross officials. The Israeli military later confirmed that both men had crossed into Israeli territory.Later, three more hostages—Eliya Cohen, 27, Omer Shem Tov, 22, and Omer Wenkert, 23—were brought onto a stage in Nuseirat refugee camp ahead of their transfer to the Red Cross. The men waved to the crowd while holding their release certificates before being officially handed over.
Israel’s military confirmed their safe return a short time later.
Final Hostages from Initial Ceasefire Deal
These six individuals represent the last living hostages from the 33 hostages scheduled for release as part of the first stage of the ceasefire deal, which took effect on January 19.Misidentified Body Confirmed as Shiri Bibas
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was at risk of collapse after a body handed over on Thursday was wrongly identified as Shiri Bibas.However, late yesterday, Hamas transferred another body, which Bibas' family confirmed was hers. Bibas was abducted along with her husband and two young sons during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
The latest developments mark the conclusion of the first stage of the hostage release agreement, but uncertainty remains over what will happen next in the ongoing conflict.
"Last night, our Shiri was returned home," the family said in a statement, which said she had been identified by Israel's Institute of Forensic Medicine.
