Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami were airlifted to hospitals in Israel after being transferred to IDF custody. All three have since arrived at their designated medical centers, where they were reunited with their families.
The three Israeli hostages, visibly emaciated and weak, were paraded by Hamas before their release and forced to participate in a staged ceremony in Gaza. They were made to deliver statements, calling on Israel to complete all phases of the cease-fire deal.
Hostages released by Hamas on Saturday
(Video: from social media)
Following footage of the three severely malnourished hostages, Israel conveyed a message to international mediators, warning that the situation would not go unanswered.
"I was treated well, with respect and was protected," Ben Ami told a crowd of armed terrorists during the staged ceremony, before adding, "I am angry at the failed Israeli government."
Sharabi also thanked his captors, saying, "I was treated well and protected. I am happy to return to my family and friends."
Levy said that he had been wounded and that his captors provided him with food and water.
After making their statements, the three were escorted by armed Hamas terrorists to waiting Red Cross vehicles, which transported them to Israeli forces.
Upon landing at Sheba Medical Center after their return to Israel, joyful crowds chanted, "Eli, King of Israel, is alive and well!"
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Ben Ami's family was relieved to see him walking but shocked by his condition. "They look terrible, Ohad does not look the same. We will have to take care of him now," a family member said.
Levy's brother, Michael Levy, remained hopeful, saying, "He's back, he will recover and be OK. His son Almog asked when his father was coming."
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Ohad Ben Ami's family reacts to his release from Hamas captivity
(Photo: Amir Levy / Getty Images)
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a statement condemning the harsh images, saying: "Ohad, Eli and Or are undeniable proof that the hostages still held by Hamas are out of time. They must all be taken out of there—every last one of them."
An organization representing bereaved families and survivors of the October 7 Hamas massacre said the emaciated state of the freed hostages further proves the urgent need for a national commission of inquiry into the government and military failures that led to that day.
Preparations began early Saturday morning for the fifth hostage release under the first phase of the cease-fire and hostage exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas. Sharabi, Levy and Ben Ami were set to be freed after 491 days in captivity.
At the staged release ceremony, Hamas displayed banners mocking world leaders. One sign, seemingly directed at U.S. President Donald Trump, read: "We are the war's next day." This came after Trump announced his plan to relocate Gaza residents to neighboring countries while rebuilding the enclave into what he described as the "Riviera of the Middle East."
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Hamas prepares stage for release of hostages in Gaza on Saturday with signage mocking Netanyahu and Trump
Another sign featured a picture of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with the caption "Total victory," mocking his repeated claims that Israel is on the verge of achieving decisive victory in the war.
Sharabi was set to be met by his mother and sister upon arrival in Israel. His wife and two daughters were murdered by Hamas during the October 7 attack. "We are excited," his sister Osnat said. "Just a little while longer. None of us have had any sleep."
Raz Ben Ami, whose husband Ohad was among those freed, marked the moment with a poignant message before his release. "I have watched the last sunrise without him. Tomorrow, we will watch it together," she posted on X. "If he is strong enough."
Levy, meanwhile, will finally reunite with his son Almog, who is not yet four years old. His wife, Einav, was murdered at the Nova music festival on October 7. Almog, just two years old at the time, was staying with his grandparents since.
First published: 07:50, 02.08.25