Hamas Names 3 Hostages To Be Released in Next Cease-Fire Exchange

The Israelis were identified as Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben-Ami, all of whom were abducted during the 2023 Hamas-led attack. Israel is expected to let dozens of Palestinian prisoners go in return.

Feb. 7, 2025

Hamas on Friday announced the names of three Israeli hostages it said it would release this weekend in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, the latest in a tense series of steps outlined in a cease-fire deal with Israel that has now held for nearly three weeks.

Abu Obeida, the spokesman for Hamas’s armed wing, identified the three men as Eli Sharabi, 52; Or Levy, 34; and Ohad Ben-Ami, 56. All three men were abducted during the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which ignited the war in Gaza.

Hamas published the three names later than anticipated , raising concerns that the agreement had hit a roadblock. By Friday evening, Israeli government officials said they had received the list and informed the men’s families.

Since the cease-fire went into effect, it has been buffeted by several crises as both sides have accused the other of violating the agreement. This time, Israel accused Hamas of not releasing the names at the agreed upon time. Hamas, in turn, accused Israel of breaching the cease-fire by preventing sufficient aid deliveries as outlined by the deal. Israeli officials did not comment on Hamas’s specific claim, but said they are committed to upholding the agreement.

In this first phase of the cease-fire, slated to last 42 days, Hamas has pledged to release at least 33 hostages in exchange for more than 1,500 Palestinians jailed by Israel. In three previous exchanges, about 18 hostages have been freed for more than 550 Palestinian prisoners.

Palestinian officials were expected on Friday night to publish the names of dozens of Palestinian prisoners slated for release by Israel. Under the deal, at least some of the prisoners to be released are serving life sentences for committing deadly attacks.