The recent release of three Israeli prisoners by Hamas, which took place on February 8, has sparked international controversy. The prisoners—Or Levy, 34, Eli Sharabi, 52, and Ohad Ben Ami, 56—were freed in a highly publicized ceremony in Gaza. They were photographed alongside masked Hamas fighters and forced to speak in Hebrew before a crowd, with the ceremony surrounded by imagery celebrating Hamas and the destruction of Israeli military vehicles.

This orchestrated display drew sharp criticism from Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called the images "shocking," and Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who condemned it as a "crime against humanity." German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also denounced the spectacle, expressing outrage that the prisoners were coerced into participating in interviews.
In exchange for the detainees, Israel has agreed to release 183 Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life sentences. This marks the fifth such exchange since the ceasefire began on January 19, following 15 months of conflict.