Photo : telegram channel/ Alexey Zheleznov
This morning, two Israeli hostages, Tal Shoham and Aver Mengistu, were released from Hamas captivity and handed over to Red Cross workers. Video footage shows the men walking out of the terrorists’ car on their own, although they look exhausted and can barely stand.
Compulsory application and medical assistance
Before being released, Tal Shoham was forced to deliver a speech in Hebrew prepared by the militants. Afterwards, both men were handed over to the Red Cross and immediately taken to a military camp in the Re’im area near the Gaza border.
They are then transported by helicopter to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv and Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva for medical examination and treatment. Reserve wards have also been prepared at Barzilai (Ashkelon) and Soroka (Beersheba) hospitals in case of emergencies.
Six more hostages are expected to be released
Six more Israeli hostages are scheduled to be released today, including:
– Omer Venkert(23, Geder) – abducted at the Nova music festival.
– Elijah Cohen(27, Tsur Adasa) is also enthusiastic about the festival.
– Omer Shem-Tov(21, Herzliya) – abducted in the same event.
– Hisham Shaaban al-Sayed(36) – suffered from a mental disorder and voluntarily crossed the border into Gaza in 2015.
Prisoner exchange: over 800 for six hostages
In the current phase of the exchange, Israel will release more than 800 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for six hostages. While the official figure is 602, Ma’ariv sources say the number is much higher due to updated lists.
Among those released:
– 445 Gazans detained since 7 October 2023.
– 51 were sentenced to life imprisonment, including murderous terrorists.
– 59 persons withlong prison sentences.
– 47 prisoners released under the ‘Shalit deal’ and re-arrested.
– 200 women and minors arrested during the war.
Difficulties of exchange
Seven terrorists, who were to be deported after their release, refused to leave the prison, causing delays. Other prisoners will be released instead. Due to these adjustments, the Israeli government held an emergency meeting on the night of 21 February to agree on new lists.
Diplomatic efforts and the future of negotiations
The US, Qatar and Egypt are actively pressuring the parties to complete the first stage of the exchange. US President Donald Trump has called for the release of all hostages by 15 February, but negotiations have been delayed.
The next stage of the exchange could be decisive. Hamas is proposing an “all for all” formula in exchange for a complete ceasefire and the withdrawal of IDF forces from the Gaza Strip. The Israeli side has so far insisted on a gradual exchange and compromises.
Prospects for ending the war
The second stage of the exchange could potentially lead to the end of Operation Iron Swords. However, Israel’s key condition – security guarantees and the avoidance of a second attack – remains a stumbling block in the negotiations.
Further developments will depend on the success of the current exchange and the parties’ willingness to compromise.
Video: Alexey Zheleznov/ telegram channel
