Sat Feb 22 11:45:29 UTC 2025: ## Six Israeli Hostages Released in First Phase of Hamas-Israel Ceasefire Deal

**TEL AVIV, February 22, 2025** – A significant step towards de-escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas occurred today with the release of six Israeli hostages. This exchange marks the completion of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement reached between the two parties.

Hamas handed over two hostages, Tal Shoham and Avera Mengistu, to the International Red Cross in a ceremony broadcast live to a large crowd gathered in Tel Aviv’s “Hostages Square.” Footage showed the pair being paraded before being transferred to Red Cross officials. Four additional hostages – Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem Tov, Omer Wenkert, and Hisham Al-Sayed – were also released later in the day. The released hostages are now in Israeli military custody.

This prisoner exchange comes as part of a broader deal which will see Israel release 600 Palestinian prisoners held since the October 7th attack. The ceasefire, initiated on January 19th, is set to expire in early March.

The release follows a tense period after Hamas released the bodies of four Israeli hostages on Thursday, including the Bibas children. Initial confusion surrounding the identity of one of the bodies led to accusations of a ceasefire violation by Israel, but subsequent testing confirmed the body to be that of Shiri Bibas, the mother of the two children. The Bibas family released a statement confirming the devastating news of her death in captivity.

The October 7th attacks and subsequent conflict have resulted in a staggering loss of life: 1215 deaths in Israel and 48,319 in Gaza, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry, considered reliable by the United Nations. The ongoing ceasefire remains fragile, but today’s hostage release offers a glimmer of hope for a more lasting peace.

Read More