Hamas released six more hostages on Saturday as part of its cease-fire deal with Israel, marking the final captives to be freed under the current truce in Gaza. The release follows commitments made by Hamas to release at least 33 captives in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel and a partial Israeli withdrawal.
Among the captives freed were Omer Wenkert, who was taken during an attack on a music festival in 2023, and Eliya Cohen, who was also captured at the festival. Additionally, Hisham al-Sayed, a member of Israel’s Arab Bedouin minority, Avera Mengistu, the longest-held Israeli hostage in Gaza, Omer Shem Tov, who was abducted alongside two friends at the music festival, and Tal Shoham, who was captured from Kibbutz Be’eri, were also released.
Relatives of the released hostages expressed relief and gratitude for their return, as well as continuing frustration with the lack of progress in securing the release of all captives. Families have been lobbying for years for the safe return of their loved ones and continue to await their reunification.
The recent release of hostages is part of ongoing negotiations to extend the truce between Hamas and Israel, although reaching a comprehensive agreement remains challenging. Family members of the hostages are hoping for continued dialogue and efforts to bring home all remaining captives still held in Gaza.
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