Hamas Releases Last 6 Living Hostages from the First Deal Phase; 4 Bodies to Be Released This Week

The Hamas terror organization released six more hostages on Shabbos, who were transferred to IDF forces and then to the hospital. These are the last six living hostages included in this deal, as the remaining hostages are not part of the current agreement.

The names of those released: Hisham al-Sayed, a mentally ill Bedouin Arab who crossed into Gaza on his own and was held there for about ten years; Omer Wenkrat; Eliyah Cohen; Avraham Mengistu, another mentally ill young man who crossed into Gaza by himself and was also held there; Tal Shahem; and Omer Shem Tov.

All six were released while on their feet and reunited with their families at the hospitals. They will remain under medical observation for several days before being discharged.

Hamas still holds 69 hostages, 36 of whom are sadly no longer alive.

In Israel, discussions are currently underway on whether to continue negotiations to secure the release of the remaining hostages or to resume military operations.