US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reiterated President Donald Trump’s firm stance, demanding that Hamas release all hostages immediately. Rubio emphasized, “The President was clear – Hamas MUST release ALL hostages NOW!” in a post on X from the White House.
This statement follows Israel’s confirmation that three hostages, released by Hamas as part of a negotiated exchange, have safely returned to Israeli territory.
On Saturday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced that the three hostages—Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy—were handed over to the Red Cross, who escorted them back to Israel. Upon their arrival, they were met by IDF and Shin Bet forces for initial medical evaluations. The hostages, who had been held in Gaza, appeared visibly frail, sparking concerns from their families.
According to The Times of Israel, Hamas staged a public event before the release, forcing the captives to participate in a propaganda display. During this event, a masked Hamas operative delivered a speech, while the three hostages were paraded on stage holding certificates. Behind them, banners in Arabic, Hebrew, and English read: “We’re the flood, the war’s next day,” a statement seemingly aimed at US President Donald Trump, following his recent remarks about the US “taking over” Gaza.
The emotional toll on the families was evident. Ohad Ben Ami’s mother, Michal Cohen, expressed heartbreak upon seeing her son, who appeared frail and aged beyond his years. Or Levy’s brother, Tal Levy, similarly noted his brother’s emaciated condition but emphasized the need to continue efforts to bring all hostages home. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum echoed this sentiment, stressing that the images of the released captives serve as a powerful reminder of the urgency in securing the release of others still in captivity.
As part of the negotiated deal, Israel has agreed to release 183 Palestinian security prisoners from Keziot Prison in the Negev and Ofer Prison in the West Bank. Among these prisoners are 18 serving life sentences, with seven set for deportation. Of the 183 detainees, 111 were arrested in Gaza during the ongoing conflict, while the remaining 72 are from the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
