The Israeli organization advocating for families of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip expressed joy on Friday that three prominent male hostages would be released the next day. In a reciprocal move, Palestinian authorities reported that Israel has confirmed the release of 90 prisoners as part of this arrangement.
This marks the fourth series of exchanges amid the ongoing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The initial terms of this truce include the liberation of 33 hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 prisoners, the resettlement of Palestinians to northern Gaza, and an increase in humanitarian aid to the region heavily affected by conflict.
The announcement that Yarden Bibas, 35, is among the hostages to be released has reignited concern about the fate of the Bibas family. While Hamas has claimed that his wife and two sons were killed in an Israeli airstrike, the Israeli government has not yet validated this assertion.
In addition, health officials in Gaza declared that the Rafah border crossing with Egypt would reopen on Saturday, allowing thousands of Palestinians in urgent need of medical assistance to enter Egypt. This development is seen as a positive indication that the ceasefire agreement is holding firm.
Moreover, the parents of two Israeli hostages released recently expressed their gratitude to U.S. authorities during a media conference. They specifically thanked former President Donald Trump for his role in facilitating the deal and urged for the remaining hostages to be set free.
“This is a Jewish duty, a moral obligation,” stated Meirav Berger, whose daughter Agam Berger, 20, was released on Thursday. The heartfelt acknowledgment came during a hospital visit where she described her daughter as a “superhero.”
Shlomi Berger, Agam’s father, lauded Trump’s leadership while emphasizing their family’s commitment to remember this support. During the talks surrounding the hostage situation, Trump had indicated there would be significant repercussions if the hostages were not released prior to his inauguration.
Yechi Yehoud, father of hostage Arbel Yehoud, also expressed thanks outside the hospital. He credited special envoy Steve Witkoff for his effective communication during the negotiations, stating that Witkoff was instrumental in persuading the Israeli government to comply with the agreements made. Yehoud confirmed that his daughter was in “good health” after her release.
In Ramallah, Zakaria Zubeidi, a well-known figure among released Palestinian prisoners, commented on the intense violence surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Zubeidi, who was active in the Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade during the uprising in the early 2000s, has since renounced violence, advocating for cultural resistance against Israeli occupation.
Having recently regained his freedom, Zubeidi highlighted the pressing need for a Palestinian state, calling it crucial for the wellbeing of the Palestinian people who have endured longstanding anxiety and oppression.
Palestinian official sources revealed plans for Israel to release 90 prisoners, including nine serving life sentences, along with 81 others with lengthy sentences as part of the ongoing negotiations with Hamas. This exchange is significant as it coincides with the release of three Israeli men captured during the October 7 attacks.
In another poignant narrative, Mandy Damari, mother of released hostage Emily Damari, revealed troubling details regarding her daughter’s captivity. She accused Hamas of holding her daughter in facilities associated with the UN Palestinian refugee agency, (UNRWA), and claimed Emily was denied necessary medical treatment after being shot.
Damari’s statements added to ongoing scrutiny of UNRWA, as many in Israel accuse the agency of hampering security through alleged affiliations with militant groups – an assertion that UNRWA has categorically denied.
Emotions ran high within the Bibas family as they awaited Yarden’s return. They expressed mixed feelings knowing he would return without his wife and children, who remain unaccounted for, with fears surrounding their wellbeing due to Hamas’s claims. The Bibas family’s ordeal has resonated deeply within Israel, leading to the color orange being linked to their plight.
As for the Rafah crossing, a European diplomat announced its readiness to assist Palestinian medical patients for the first time since it had been shut down. The reopening signifies progress in the ceasefire agreement after longstanding disputes among Israeli, Egyptian, and Palestinian officials.
Additionally, the governor of North Sinai declared that the Rafah crossing would facilitate the transport of injured Palestinians, providing much-needed medical support as Gaza continues to grapple with the aftermath of hostilities.
A European Union civilian mission has been assigned to oversee the implementation at the Rafah crossing, assisting Palestinian border officials to ensure the transitional movement is conducted smoothly.
Finally, the names of three male hostages slated for release by Hamas were made public, with confirmation from Israeli authorities. This latest development reignites hope surrounding the futures of those still held captive, notably emphasizing the complexities each family faces as the situation evolves.
