Freed hostage Ohad Ben Ami arrives at an apartment his family is renting in Tel Aviv, shortly after he was released from the hospital, February 13, 2025 (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)
Freed hostage Ohad Ben Ami is greeted by dozens of people with applause, songs and signs as he is released from hospital and arrives at the Tel Aviv neighborhood where his family is staying.
Ben Ami, 55, held in Hamas captivity in Gaza for 491 days, is released from Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center.
Or Levy, 34, and Eli Sharabi, 55, the two other hostages who were also released from Hamas captivity on Saturday, are being cared for at Sheba Medical Center. A spokesperson says there is no information about when they might be released.
The three hostages suffered from severe physical and mental deterioration, including malnutrition, decreased muscle mass and heart disorders. Family members said they endured physical and psychological abuse during their captivity.
Ben Ami and Sharabi were among 29 residents kidnapped from Be’eri. Ben Ami’s wife, Raz, was released in the first hostage deal in November 2023. Levy had been attending the Nova festival with his wife.
Sharabi’s wife, Lianne, and their two teenage daughters, Noiya and Yael, were killed during the October 7 Hamas-led attack. Levy’s wife Eynav was murdered by terrorists in a roadside bomb shelter.
Ben Ami will continue his rehabilitation process as an outpatient, a hospital spokesperson says.
Raz Ben Ami waves at crowds as she and her husband, Ohad Ben Ami, arrive at their temporary home in Tel Aviv, February 13, 2025 (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)
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From the Liveblog of
Thursday, February 13, 2025
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