Israel-Hamas Complete Fifth Swap, Raising Alarm Over Hostage And Prisoner Treatment

Israel and Hamas exchanged their fifth round of hostages and prisoners under a fragile Gaza ceasefire, but the weak state of three released Israelis sparked grave anxiety among their families.

The swap saw the release of Or Levy, Ohad Ben Ami, and Eli Sharabi, who had been held captive in Gaza since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack. Their visibly weak and disoriented state sparked distress, with Sharabi’s cousin stating, “He doesn’t look well. I’m sure he will now receive the right treatment and regain strength.”

In response, Israel freed 183 Palestinian detainees, some of whom were taken to the hospital, said the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club. The lobby organization denounced their supposed ill-treatment in Israeli detention.

This exchange comes ahead of crucial talks for the next phase of the ceasefire, which should see the freedom of 12 more hostages during its initial 42 days. An Israeli team is to leave for Doha to continue their talks.

The hostage release was greeted in Tel Aviv with celebratory crowds, but it was also the day of great concern over health. Israeli President Isaac Herzog denounced their treatment, calling it “a cynical and cruel spectacle.”

On the other side, in Ramallah, the families were anxiously waiting to welcome the newly freed Palestinian prisoners, many of whom needed some medical care. Hamas accused Israel of systemic abuse against its prisoners, while Israel maintains that those released were “terrorists”.

According to the sources from Israel, the Hamas attack in October 2023 led to 1,210 deaths, of whom most were civilians. Israeli forces have subsequently killed more than 48,181 people in Gaza, as confirmed by the Hamas-run health ministry. United Nations finds the numbers believable.

As negotiations go on, the world is left waiting for whether a final settlement can be achieved.