Hamas releases three Israeli hostages in central Gaza

The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas handed over three Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Deir al-Balah city of the Gaza Strip on Saturday, in accordance with a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel.

This release marks the fifth hostage-prisoner swap under the first phase of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel.

The three Israeli hostages, kidnapped in a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, are Ohad Ben Ami, 56, a dual Israeli-German citizen; Eli Sharabi, 52; and Or Levy, 34.

The three hostages, appearing visibly frail and exhausted, were escorted onto a platform by Hamas fighters to speak first and were then handed over by Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, to the ICRC.

Thousands of Palestinians gathered at the scene, expressing hope that the ceasefire agreement would continue to hold and lead to a broader and comprehensive peace deal.

"I am very happy about the implementation of the ceasefire agreement. The bloodshed has stopped, so have the gunfire, the air strikes and bombings. This is the happiest thing for us and the greatest wish of everyone here," said a Palestinian resident.

"We hope the first phase of the handover goes smoothly so we can return to our homeland. We come from northern Gaza. Some roads back home are still closed and travel costs to the north are also high. Therefore, we wish for a full ceasefire so that all roads can be reopened for us to go home with the cheapest cost possible," said another.

As part of the swap, Israel also began releasing the 183 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails on Saturday.

The three-phase ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas took effect on January 19, halting 15 months of Israeli military operations in Gaza that left the enclave devastated and that killed around 62,000 people, including more than 17,000 children.

Hamas releases three Israeli hostages in central Gaza

Hamas releases three Israeli hostages in central Gaza

Hamas releases three Israeli hostages in central Gaza

Hamas releases three Israeli hostages in central Gaza

Hamas releases three Israeli hostages in central Gaza

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests