Hostage swap continues: Hamas to free three more as Israel releases prisoners

On February 8, 2025, the Palestinian group Hamas will release three Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Among them, Ohad Ben-Ami holds German citizenship.

Abu Ubaida, the spokesman for Hamas' military wing, the Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, issued a statement confirming their release

"As part of the exchange agreement [with Israel], we decided on Saturday, February 8, to release Eliyahu Sharabi, Or Levy, and Ohad Ben-Ami," Abu Ubaida announced on his Telegram channel, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media sources.

Earlier on February 7, Hamas reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire agreement in Gaza but accused Israel of allegedly delaying the implementation of the deal’s humanitarian protocol. Hamas claimed that Israel was obstructing the delivery of essential supplies, including tents, fuel, and equipment required for clearing debris in Gaza.

Dmitry Gendelman, an adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, confirmed that Israel has acknowledged and accepted the list of hostages set for release on February 8.

“The list has been received and accepted by Israel,” he stated in response to a related inquiry.

Israeli state broadcaster Kan had earlier reported, citing sources, that Israel viewed any violation of the ceasefire seriously, particularly after Hamas delayed handing over the names of the three hostages on February 7.

The Gaza ceasefire came into effect on January 19, 2025. On the same day, Palestinian factions released the first group of hostages, which included three Israeli women. In response, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners from its detention facilities.

On the morning of January 25, 2025, Hamas released four female hostages who had been serving in the Israeli army. In exchange, Israel freed 200 Palestinian prisoners:

• 114 were sent to the West Bank,
• 16 returned to Gaza,
• 70 were deported to Egypt.

On January 30, 2025, another round of exchanges took place, with Hamas releasing eight hostages — three Israelis and five Thai nationals. In return, Israel freed 110 Palestinian prisoners from its detention centres.

On February 1, 2025, three more hostages were released from Gaza:

• One was an Israeli citizen,
• One held French citizenship,
• One was a US citizen.

In response, Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners, including eight individuals who were transferred to Egyptian territory.

By Tamilla Hasanova