US Secretary of State Demands Immediate Release of All Hostages by Hamas
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Synopsis
In a powerful statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated President Trump's demand for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas, following the return of three captives after 490 days. The situation highlights ongoing tensions and negotiations surrounding hostage exchanges amid the ceasefire agreement.
Key Takeaways
- US Secretary of State calls for immediate hostages release.
- Three Israeli captives returned after 490 days.
- Hostages released as part of a ceasefire agreement.
- Israel began releasing Palestinian prisoners.
- Phased swap agreement between Hamas and Israel continues.
Washington, Feb 9 (NationPress) Echoing the resolute position of US President Donald Trump, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanded the immediate liberation of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas, following the return of three captives.
In a post on X, Rubio stated, "After 490 arduous days in captivity, Eli, Or, and Ohad are finally back in Israel. The President of the United States (POTUS) has made it clear -- Hamas must free all hostages now!"
This declaration followed Hamas's release of three Israeli hostages on Saturday. The released captives, who were abducted during the Hamas-led onslaught on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, include Ohad Ben Ami, 56, a dual Israeli-German national; Eli Sharabi, 52; and Or Levy, 34.
As reported by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the hostages were moved from central Gaza to the IDF and the Israel Security Agency before entering Israel.
Earlier, three vehicles from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) arrived at the designated handover location in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza. The visibly weakened and fatigued hostages addressed the crowd before being handed over by Hamas' military faction, Al-Qassam Brigades, to the ICRC.
It was noted that Ben Ami's wife was also abducted on the same day but was released after 54 days due to a previous hostage negotiation.
This release signifies the fifth hostage-prisoner exchange as part of the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement facilitated by Egypt and Qatar with US backing.
As part of the arrangement, Israel has commenced the release of 183 Palestinian detainees from its prisons. Abdullah al-Zaghari, leader of the Palestinian Prisoners Club, verified that the released prisoners were transported by Red Cross buses to Ramallah, where a significant crowd gathered to welcome them.
The Hamas-linked Prisoners' Media Office revealed that among the released Palestinian detainees were 18 serving life sentences, 54 with lengthy sentences, and 111 from Gaza who were detained after the October 7 attack.
The ongoing ceasefire agreement, effective January 19, outlines a phased exchange: Hamas is set to release 33 Israeli hostages over a span of 42 days, while Israel will liberate hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
