Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Saturday, February 8, 2025
From the Liveblog of
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Released hostages Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami are back in Israel after 491 days in Hamas captivity
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Friends and relatives of Ohad Ben Ami and Eli Sharabi, who were abducted from Kibbutz Be'eri on Oct. 7, 2023, react as they watch the live broadcast of their release from Hamas captivity in Gaza, at Kibbutz Be'eri, Feb. 8, 2025 (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)
Released hostages Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami have crossed the border into Israel, after 491 days in Hamas captivity, the IDF says.
The three were escorted out of the Gaza Strip by Israeli special forces, after being handed over to them by the Red Cross.
The IDF is bringing them to a facility near the border for an initial physical and mental checkup, and to meet with family members.
