US Secretary of State Marco Rubio asks Hamas to release all Israeli hostages immediately

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has asked Hamas to release all the Israeli hostages taken by them immediately. This call came after the return of three captives who had been held by Hamas for 490 days. In a social media post, Rubio celebrated the release of the three hostages, Eli, Or, and Ohad, saying they were finally home in Israel. He emphasized that the US remains firm in demanding the immediate release of all remaining captives.

 

The three individuals were taken hostage during Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF),



they were handed over from central Gaza to Israeli authorities before crossing back into Israel. This release is part of a ceasefire deal brokered with the help of Egypt, Qatar, and the US. So far, it is the fifth swap under the agreement. 

In exchange for the three hostages, Israel has begun releasing 183 Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire agreement, which started on January 19, outlines a 42-day phased plan. Hamas is expected to release 33 Israeli hostages in total, while Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.