A day after revealing the names of three Israeli hostages to be released, Hamas is set to hand over the trio to the Red Cross on Saturday.
The three civilian men were identified as Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi and Or Levy. In exchange of the three civilian men, Israel will release 183 Palestinian prisoners. These include 18 people who are sentenced to life, 54 who are serving long term sentences and 111 people from Gaza who were detained following the October 7 attack.
Who is Ohad Ben Ami?
Ohad Ben Ami, 56, is a dual Israeli-German citizen based in Be'eri, Israel. He wife, Raz Ben Ami, was released by the militants in November 29, 2023, less than two months after Hamas attacked Israel. His last message to his family was, "Shma Yisrael, they're here," referring to a Jewish prayer, according to the Times of Israel.
Two weeks after his abduction, Ohad's photo was circulated online, wherein he was wearing a t-shirt and an underwear. A Hamas operative is seen pulling him by his t-shirt.
Who is Eli Sharabi?
Eli Sharabi, 52, was abducted by Hamas from Kibbutz Be'eri on October 7. His wife, Lianne, and daughters, Noiya, 16, and Yahel, 13, were killed by the militants. His brother, Yossi Sharabi, who was also kidnapped by Hamas, has been confirmed to be dead.
Who is Or Levy?
Or Levy, now 34, and his wife Eynav Elkayam Levy, 32, love road trips and music festivals. They drove to the Supernova festival and reached there hours before Hamas attacked the desert gathering on October 7. Eynav has been confirmed dead by the Israeli authorities. The couple's son, Almog Levy, was two-year-old when his parents were abducted.
On Saturday morning, Red Cross vehicles arrived at the site where the hostages will be released. Hamas operatives driving white pickup trucks mounted with guns were also seen at the location.
Eighteen hostages have been freed so far in exchange of 550 Palestinians.
