Hamas hostages released: joy and horror in Israel!

Hamas hostages released: joy and horror in Israel!

After the dramatic exchange of hostages and prisoners in the Gaza Strip, the shocking reality of the hostages held by Israel is revealed. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on X that the released hostages looked “like Holocaust survivors,” while the Hamas fighters appeared healthy and well-fed. The images showing the emaciated and weakened hostages have caused horror in Israel, also because the fate of the hostages is apparently being used by Hamas as a demonstration of power oe24.at reported.

First exchange under the ceasefire

The first exchange of hostages and prisoners took place at the weekend as part of a ceasefire agreed between Israel and Hamas. Three Israeli civilians, including Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher, were released under Red Cross supervision. In return, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners, some of whom were described as “terrorists” and were from military prisons. Despite the celebrations in Israel, the condition of the hostages was worrying. Emily Damari, who also has British citizenship, lost two fingers during her captivity, as the press reported.

So far, 94 other hostages are still being held by Hamas. The next exchange is announced for next Saturday, with more Palestinian prisoners, including women and minors, set to be released. Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog welcomed the women's return as a "day of joy and consolation" and promised to do everything possible to bring the remaining hostages home. The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip has now worsened dramatically, and more than 90 percent of the Palestinian population is suffering from extreme hunger, meaning that an improvement in the supply situation is urgently needed.