Hamas Releases Israeli Hostages as Part of Gaza Ceasefire Deal; Israel to Release Palestinian Prisoners

Hamas released three Israeli hostages on Saturday, February 22, 2025, as part of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The released hostages, Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem Tov, and Omer Wenkert, were handed over to Israeli forces via the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). In exchange, Israel is expected to release over 600 Palestinian prisoners. The hostages were transferred in Nuseirat, central Gaza, after being presented briefly to a crowd.