Feb 08, Kathmandu- The process of releasing Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian group Hamas on October 7, 2023, continues. Three more Israeli hostages were released from the Gaza Strip on Saturday. In response, Israel is also releasing 183 Palestinians.

All of them are civilians, the fifth time since the ceasefire came into effect. Nepalese Bipin Joshi, who was held hostage by Israel, is not yet on the list of those to be released. All three of those released on Saturday are Israeli citizens. They are Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami and Ar Levi.

According to the ceasefire agreement, Israel must release 183 Palestinians in return. Hamas fighters gathered in Deir al Balah before the hostages were released. The three hostages were handed over to the Red Cross there.

As hostages were being freed in Gaza, people gathered in Israel's oil-rich Hostage Square to watch the process. This brings the total number of freed hostages since the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas on January 19 to 21.

By the end of the first phase of the ceasefire, which ends in three weeks, some 33 hostages and 1,900 Palestinians will be released.

Israel said eight of the 33 were killed. More than 70 Palestinians serving life or longer prison terms are on the list of those Israel will release as of Saturday, according to the agreement.