- February 22, 2025
- 5:23 pm
- Israel
“Regardless of the manipulations and propaganda games of Hamas, Israel will always fight for the return of its citizens, whether alive or dead.
We will not forget those who were kidnapped and will continue to work on their release, even if this process requires huge efforts.
At the same time, all terrorists whose actions are aimed at civilians will receive the deserved punishment, and we will fight against this evil until the end.”
NAnews – News from Israel continues to monitor the important process of the hostage exchange, which was completed on February 22, 2025, with the seventh and final round of the first phase of the deal. On this day, six Israelis were freed: Tel Shokham, Elia Cohen, Omer Venkert, Omer Shem-Tov, Avera Mengistu, and Hisham As-Saed. In exchange for these hostages, Israel released 602 prisoners, including terrorists convicted of participation in terrorist acts and residents of Gaza detained after the October 7, 2023, attacks.
What happened during the release of the hostages
The ceremony of release took place in two locations: in Rafah and in Nuseirat, on stages specially prepared by Hamas. In Rafah, a stage with propaganda posters was built, where the first group of Israeli hostages was handed over to the Red Cross. These were Tal Shokham and Avera Mengistu, who were forced to say a few words before being led to the Red Cross vehicle, which later delivered them to a meeting with IDF forces. At 11:00, they were already on Israeli territory.
Three other hostages, including Tel Shokham, Elia Cohen, and Omer Venkert, were released in the second ceremony in Nuseirat, in the center of the Gaza Strip. Although Hamas dressed them in military uniforms to pass them off as soldiers, these individuals were kidnapped at the “Nova” festival and had no relation to military activities. These hostages, despite losing weight, looked normal and were delivered to the Red Cross and then to Israel.
Separate release of Hisham As-Saed
Hisham As-Saed, a Bedouin who was captured by Hamas back in 2014, was released separately, without a ceremony. Hamas handed him over to the Red Cross representatives in Gaza, and soon he was delivered to Israel.
Details of the deal and released prisoners
In exchange for these six hostages, Israel released 602 prisoners. The initial list included 157 convicted terrorists and 445 residents of Gaza detained after the October 7, 2023, attacks. However, after additional negotiations and the transfer of the bodies of deceased Israelis, the list was expanded, resulting in the release of other terrorists.
Delays and issues with deportation also became part of the exchange process, as seven terrorists refused to leave the prisons. In the end, other prisoners were released, including those who were deported, as part of the deal.
Israel’s reaction to the exchange process
The hostage exchange process, despite the release of our citizens, left no positive feelings. Hamas’s manipulations with people and rhetoric promoting violence continue. Israel, despite the release of citizens, emphasizes the importance of fighting terrorist organizations and protecting its citizens. The international community must continue to condemn the actions of terrorists and support Israel’s efforts to ensure security.
Conclusion: the fight for security and justice
While the exchange process remains important for Israel, the need to fight terrorism and counter Hamas’s ideology remains relevant. The release of six Israelis is a step toward restoring justice, but it does not exclude the difficulties and political manipulations played by terrorists. Israel will continue its fight for security and the protection of its citizens, regardless of these challenges and attempts at manipulation.
Conclusion:
Regardless of the manipulations and propaganda games of Hamas, Israel will always fight for the return of its citizens, whether alive or dead. We will not forget those who were kidnapped and will continue to work on their release, even if this process requires huge efforts. At the same time, all terrorists whose actions are aimed at civilians will receive the deserved punishment, and we will fight against this evil until the end.
