Israeli hostages Or Levy, Eli Sharabi, and Ohad Ben Ami are to be released by Hamas on Saturday, the prime minister’s office confirmed Friday. The trio has been held captive by the terrorist organization for 491 days.
Both Ben Ami and Sharabi are residents of Kibbutz Be’eri, a community deeply affected by the conflict.
Sharabi’s family suffered a devastating loss when his wife, Leanne, and their two daughters, Noya, 16, and Yahel, 13, were murdered on October 7. His brother, Yossi Sharabi, was also killed in captivity with his body still held in Gaza. Leanne came to Israel from England to volunteer and lived with the family at Kibbutz Be’eri.
Ben Ami was abducted alongside his wife, Raz, who was later freed as part of a hostage deal in November 2023. Ben Ami’s family, like many others, tirelessly protested for his release.
In his free time, Ohad enjoyed cycling with friends, a hobby he hopes to resume once he returns home. His daughter, Ella, expressed her joy on Instagram, stating, “Nothing could’ve prepared my lungs for this moment.”
ההתרגשות במשפחתו של אוהד בן עמי pic.twitter.com/dpXljAvYxs
— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) February 7,2025
Two Hostages from Kibbutz Be’eri to Be Released
Kibbutz Be’eri released a statement expressing their relief at the impending release of Ben Ami and Sharabi. The statement read, “We are thrilled for their release after 491 days of uncertainty, of pain and anger. This will not return to normal until all the hostages return safely to their families, and until all the murdered can be returned for their burial.”
Since the start of the hostage deal, 13 Israeli hostages have been freed, marking the first phase of the agreement set to span 42 days. Additionally, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners were released as part of the exchange. Five Thai nationals have also been returned.
The Health Ministry announced that the released hostages will be taken to the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and the Sheba Medical Center for a thorough medical assessment.
Negotiations for the second phase of the deal, which aims to secure the release of around 60 male hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, have commenced. An Israeli negotiating team is scheduled to travel to Doha on Saturday to continue the discussions.
The hostages freed in the first phase include Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, Doron Steinbrecher, Naama Levy, Daniela Gilboa, Karina Ariev, Liri Albag, Agam Berger, Arbel Yehoud, Gadi Moses, Ofer Kalderon, Yarden Bibas, and Keith Siegel. The freed Thai hostages are Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Lamnao Surasak.
A Community’s Pain and Hope
The release of these hostages brings hope to their families and communities, offering a glimpse of peace amidst ongoing conflict. However, the suffering endured by the Sharabi and Ben Ami families, along with others affected by the Hamas attack, remains a profound reminder of the devastating impact of terrorism.
Kibbutz Be’eri’s ongoing statement highlights the collective grief and the unyielding commitment to justice and reconciliation. The community continues to address the aftermath of the attack and support the returning hostages as they navigate their path back to normalcy.
As negotiations progress, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis and the safe return of all hostages.
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