The hostages' condition and scenes of Hamas forcing them to speak in a handover ceremony sparked outrage in Israel and could increase pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to extend the ceasefire beyond its current six-week phase. Netanyahu has signaled he would resume the war, even if that means leaving dozens of hostages in captivity.
Israelis' joy turned to shock and tears when they saw their emaciated state. Later Saturday, Israel released Palestinian prisoners, some also appearing gaunt and weak.
The Red Crescent said seven were taken to hospitals. Many Palestinians released during the ceasefire have appeared emaciated, and have alleged abuses in custody. It was the fifth exchange since the ceasefire began Jan. Twenty-one hostages have now been freed. An Israeli Health Ministry representative, Dr. Not all are alive. A message has been passed on to the mediators, and action will be taken accordingly.
Israel says Hamas has confirmed eight of the 33 hostages are dead. His proposal was welcomed by Israel but rejected by Palestinians and most of the international community.
Hamas may be reluctant to free more hostages if it believes the U. Sharabi and Ben Ami were captured from Kibbutz Beeri, one of the farming communities hardest hit by the Hamas attack, while Levy was taken from the Nova music festival. They are only now learning the fate of some family members, according to Israeli media. The Palestinian prisoners released include 18 serving life sentences for deadly attacks on Israelis, 54 serving long-term sentences and Palestinians from Gaza detained after the Oct.
