Who are the latest hostages released by Hamas as part of the ceasefire in Gaza?

Three men held hostage in the Gaza Strip for more than 16 months were freed Saturday, bringing to 21 the number of captives released by militants since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began Jan. 19.

Those released were Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami — three Israeli civilians taken by Hamas militants from southern Israel in their shock attack on October 7, 2023.

In the first phase of the ceasefire, 33 Israeli hostages in Gaza will be released in exchange for almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

The ceasefire and release of hostages has sparked both hope and fear among Israelis. Many worry that the deal could collapse before all the hostages return, or that those released will arrive in poor health. Others worry that the number of captives who have died is higher than expected.

Hamas-led militants took 251 hostages during their attack that launched the war in Gaza. More than 70 hostages remain in Gaza, although nearly half are believed to be dead. The others were released, rescued, or their bodies were recovered.

Israel’s military campaign has killed over 47,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many were fighters but says more than half were women or children.

Here is a look at the hostages who have been released:

Eli Sharabi was taken captive by the militants from Kibbutz Beeri, a communal farm that was one of the hardest hit in the Hamas attack.

His British-born wife, Lianne, and their teenage daughters, Noiya and Yahel, were killed by militants while hiding in their safe room. His brother, Yossi Sharabi, who lived next door, was killed in captivity.

Hamas militants are holding his body, according to the group representing the families of the hostages.

Mr Sharabi’s home bore marks from the attack months later. Associated Press journalists saw bullet holes in the walls and the shattered oven and TV screens. Nearby homes were torched by militants and their roofs blasted off during fighting on October 7.

Ohad Ben Ami, a father to three, was kidnapped with his wife, Raz, from Kibbutz Beeri, where he was an accountant. Raz Ben Ami was released during the week-long ceasefire in November 2023.

The group representing the families of the hostages described Mr Ben Ami as a “passionate nature enthusiast” and the “cornerstone of his family.”

Or Levy was pulled out by the militants from a bomb shelter near the Nova music festival in southern Israel. His wife, Einav Levy, was killed during the attack. Their son Almog, now three, has been in the care of relatives since the assault.

Mr Levy was kidnapped alongside American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin as well as two other hostages — Eliya Cohen and Alon Ohel. Mr Goldberg-Polin, whose parents staged a high-profile campaign for his release, was killed in Hamas captivity.

Mr Levy is from the city of Rishon Lezion, where he worked as a computer programmer for a start-up.