Hamas released three Israeli hostages on Saturday, 16 months after they were abducted during the October 7, 2023, attacks. Eli Sharabi, 52, Or Levy, 34, and Ohad Ben Ami, 56, appeared frail and weak as they were handed over to the Red Cross in central Gaza before being transported back to Israel.
For Sharabi and Levy, their return came with tragic revelations—Sharabi’s wife and two teenage daughters were murdered on October 7, and Levy’s wife was also killed that day. Sharabi’s family had to break the heartbreaking news to him upon his arrival. It remains unclear if Levy was aware of his wife’s death.
The three men were paraded by Hamas on a stage before their release, forced to speak in what Israeli officials described as propaganda. Hamas dressed Sharabi and Ben Ami in brown outfits labeled “prisoners,” while Levy wore a uniform resembling that of the Israeli military, despite being a civilian.
Following their release, they were taken to a military facility near the border for medical and psychological evaluations before reuniting with loved ones. Their release renewed calls for the return of all remaining hostages.
