Hamas, Israel to begin fifth hostage-prisoner exchange

Hamas is set to release three Israeli hostages Saturday in exchange for 183 prisoners held by Israel, marking the fifth swap under a fragile ceasefire in Gaza.

The hostages—Eli Sharabi, Or Levy, and Ohad Ben Ami—have been held in Gaza since Hamas' deadly October 7 attack on Israel.

The exchange comes as President Donald Trump’s proposal to clear Gaza of its inhabitants and place it under U.S. control has sparked widespread condemnation.

Dozens of armed Hamas fighters gathered in Deir el-Balah early Saturday, preparing for the handover. A stage was set up with banners showing destroyed Israeli military vehicles and a grim-looking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In Tel Aviv, crowds gathered at "Hostages Square," where a large screen counted the days since the hostages were taken.

Netanyahu’s office confirmed the swap and said he would monitor the exchange from Washington. After the release, an Israeli delegation will travel to Doha to discuss the next phase of ceasefire negotiations.

So far, Hamas-led militants have freed 18 hostages in exchange for about 600 Palestinian prisoners. The current truce, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., aims to secure the release of 33 hostages during its first 42 days.

Talks on a second phase of the agreement—intended to bring home more captives and work toward ending the war—are expected to begin soon.