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Fashion Network
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
In Oakland, fashion retail makes San Francisco jealous
After twenty years of climbing the crime ladder, Oakland has been enjoying a new lease on life for the past few months. Long in the shadow of San Francisco, this symbol of American diversity - almost 50% of its population is Black and Latino - is showing a new optimism, with cutting-edge fashion boutiques opening in recent months. A new vintage clothing scene, Oakland now boasts around twenty vintage specialists including Mercy Vintage, The Sunshine Prophecy, Sola Lucy, Black Bear Apparel, Down at Lulu's and Mira Flores. In recent months, the city has also seen the emergence of a number of new boutiques, including Relove, opened in 2014 at 1815 Polk Street in San Francisco by Ethiopian-born Californian entrepreneur Delia Hailechristos, whose second store opened a stone's throw from the Grand Lake Theater in Oakland in 2023. Housed in a two-storey 1920s building, this new temple of vintage, with arches and columns on the first floor, offers a wide selection ranging from luxury vintage with brands such as Loewe, Dries Van Noten and Marc Jacobs, to creative Japanese labels such as Junya Watanabe, Doublet, Facetasm, workwear brands, and other couture pieces. Arranged by genre and color, Relove's wardrobe rubs shoulders with works of art belonging to the owner, such as paintings by local artist Jereme Mendez, or the in situ fresco dedicated to voguing by Devynn Barnes. The ground-floor lounge is occupied by objects for the home, candlesticks and ceramics from Mexico, a collection of vintage glasses and shoes. "Oakland is the heart of the whole Bay Area," said Hailechristos. 'All my creative friends live, create, work and perform here. The music, art and fashion scene is unlike anywhere else in the world. So it was only natural to open a boutique here. Oakland is a radical city, but one that doesn't draw the spotlight to itself." Oakland natives Marco Verdin and Tai Raino-Tsui, one the son of immigrants from El Salvador, the other a native American, opened their 3319 Marché in spring 2023, a hybrid fashion boutique combining vintage and contemporary offerings, conceived in place of a former hairdressing salon and designed as an art gallery, with furniture on display, live upcycling performances and curation of art objects and books. "We've created 3319 to appear as ambiguous as possible, throughout platforms both digitally and physically," explained the founders. "3319 is pioneering a new culture in Oakland, with a blend of elegance yet localized roots. The brand focuses on a range of artistic mediums: music, art, and fashion. Blending these three mediums in a highly curated way has given our brand a reputation foreign to its market, and allowed us to operate as much more than just a physical retail operation.' The racks at 3319 Marché feature a mix of haute couture-avant-garde brands 'not offered in any tangible way in the neighborhood,' added the founders, including Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Issey Miyake, Rick Owens, Craig Green, Martin Margiela, Yohji Yamamoto, Loewe and Kiko Kostadinov. Until the end of April, 3319 Marché is also home to the Dial Ring showroom, featuring second-hand items from brands such as Miu Miu, Comme des Garçons, Fendi, Marni, Prada and Raf Simons. Another Oakland reference, Standard & Strange, a multi-brand dedicated to crafted, heritage menswear, was founded by Jeremy Smith and Neil Berrett. "We started out in 2012 as two guys selling our own denim with a tiny 200-square-foot space in a back alley in Oakland. We saw that people wanted a warm, friendly, inclusive store that sold the denim and other gear we were wearing at the time,' said the founders. 'The first space we occupied had originally been the municipal stables for the City of Oakland. Then we moved into a new space around the corner to 5010 Telegraph Avenue, which is one of the oldest masonry buildings in Oakland.' After opening a second boutique in Santa Fe in 2019, the founders of Standard & Strange opened their third boutique at 238 Mulberry Street in Soho in 2021. Each boutique presents a different selection of well-made brands and pieces which have a strong narrative or story behind them. These include a large contingent of Japanese brands, with flagship denim by Momotaro, Kapital and OrSlow, ready-to-wear by Visvim and Porter luggage. Other heritage and craft brands complete the selection, including German Merz American John Gluckow and French De Bonne Facture. The company also sells its own collection and its Mizunara Single Cask Whiskey brand, made in California. Another sign of the Oakland creativity was the opening in 2023 of a brand-new concept store called Two-Two, founded by Portland-born entrepreneur CC Doan, halfway between pop-up, gallery and boutique, bringing together the offbeat fashions of international designers, particularly from Asia. 'I first explored boutique opportunities in San Francisco and Oakland," explained Doan. 'In the end, I found the space in Grand Lake and all the right elements came together to make me feel like it could be a place for fashion, craft, and creative community. Because we have multiple ways people can discover and engage with our curation and also connect with each other, people don't see us as just a boutique. Someone may come in and shop one day, attend a creative workshop the next time, or come with friends to a pop-up we host with other creatives or artists. We get to witness people as multi-faceted beings, not just as customers. I think in that way there is demand for being seen authentically, to have a sense of belonging or connection with others, and to cater to self expression as a whole." At the Two-Two boutique, emerging designers and brands, with an emphasis on everyday wearable pieces, are displayed as if in an art gallery. 'These designers are often at a very sweet spot of both establishing their voice while having plenty of edge and playfulness to their approach and presentation. Caro Chia, Yusho Kobayashi, Lou Badger, Fey Fey Worldwide, Devastates and Grounds to name a few," added Doan. "Then there are designers and artists who I've met along my own creative journey over the years and having a space has brought us together to collaborate, like jewelry brand Ino, incense brand Hyungi, and ceramics by Studio Hecha. Another original initiative is that of Oakland-born designer Shauncy 'Salt' Jackson, who transformed her backyard into a safe space for community events hosted by her non-profit Oakland Don't Play Inc. She converted a storage container into a retail store where she sells her clothing line, Oakland Don't Play (ODP). "ODP is more than just a clothing brand," explained Jackson, via her website. 'It's a movement to remind the world that Oakland stands strong for its people, land, and unwavering commitment to equality. Inspired by the injustices faced by our community, ODP creates bold, fashion-forward clothing that proudly showcases Oakland pride. From the vibrant streets of Fruitvale to the serene shores of Lake Merritt, our designs capture the essence of our city and the spirit of its people."
Fashion Network
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
In Oakland, fashion retail makes San Francisco jealous
After twenty years of climbing the crime ladder, Oakland has been enjoying a new lease on life for the past few months. Long in the shadow of San Francisco, this symbol of American diversity - almost 50% of its population is Black and Latino - is showing a new optimism, with cutting-edge fashion boutiques opening in recent months. A new vintage clothing scene, Oakland now boasts around twenty vintage specialists including Mercy Vintage, The Sunshine Prophecy, Sola Lucy, Black Bear Apparel, Down at Lulu's and Mira Flores. In recent months, the city has also seen the emergence of a number of new boutiques, including Relove, opened in 2014 at 1815 Polk Street in San Francisco by Ethiopian-born Californian entrepreneur Delia Hailechristos, whose second store opened a stone's throw from the Grand Lake Theater in Oakland in 2023. Housed in a two-storey 1920s building, this new temple of vintage, with arches and columns on the first floor, offers a wide selection ranging from luxury vintage with brands such as Loewe, Dries Van Noten and Marc Jacobs, to creative Japanese labels such as Junya Watanabe, Doublet, Facetasm, workwear brands, and other couture pieces. Arranged by genre and color, Relove's wardrobe rubs shoulders with works of art belonging to the owner, such as paintings by local artist Jereme Mendez, or the in situ fresco dedicated to voguing by Devynn Barnes. The ground-floor lounge is occupied by objects for the home, candlesticks and ceramics from Mexico, a collection of vintage glasses and shoes. "Oakland is the heart of the whole Bay Area," said Hailechristos. 'All my creative friends live, create, work and perform here. The music, art and fashion scene is unlike anywhere else in the world. So it was only natural to open a boutique here. Oakland is a radical city, but one that doesn't draw the spotlight to itself." Oakland natives Marco Verdin and Tai Raino-Tsui, one the son of immigrants from El Salvador, the other a native American, opened their 3319 Marché in spring 2023, a hybrid fashion boutique combining vintage and contemporary offerings, conceived in place of a former hairdressing salon and designed as an art gallery, with furniture on display, live upcycling performances and curation of art objects and books. "We've created 3319 to appear as ambiguous as possible, throughout platforms both digitally and physically," explained the founders. "3319 is pioneering a new culture in Oakland, with a blend of elegance yet localized roots. The brand focuses on a range of artistic mediums: music, art, and fashion. Blending these three mediums in a highly curated way has given our brand a reputation foreign to its market, and allowed us to operate as much more than just a physical retail operation.' The racks at 3319 Marché feature a mix of haute couture-avant-garde brands 'not offered in any tangible way in the neighborhood,' added the founders, including Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Issey Miyake, Rick Owens, Craig Green, Martin Margiela, Yohji Yamamoto, Loewe and Kiko Kostadinov. Until the end of April, 3319 Marché is also home to the Dial Ring showroom, featuring second-hand items from brands such as Miu Miu, Comme des Garçons, Fendi, Marni, Prada and Raf Simons. Another Oakland reference, Standard & Strange, a multi-brand dedicated to crafted, heritage menswear, was founded by Jeremy Smith and Neil Berrett. "We started out in 2012 as two guys selling our own denim with a tiny 200-square-foot space in a back alley in Oakland. We saw that people wanted a warm, friendly, inclusive store that sold the denim and other gear we were wearing at the time,' said the founders. 'The first space we occupied had originally been the municipal stables for the City of Oakland. Then we moved into a new space around the corner to 5010 Telegraph Avenue, which is one of the oldest masonry buildings in Oakland.' After opening a second boutique in Santa Fe in 2019, the founders of Standard & Strange opened their third boutique at 238 Mulberry Street in Soho in 2021. Each boutique presents a different selection of well-made brands and pieces which have a strong narrative or story behind them. These include a large contingent of Japanese brands, with flagship denim by Momotaro, Kapital and OrSlow, ready-to-wear by Visvim and Porter luggage. Other heritage and craft brands complete the selection, including German Merz American John Gluckow and French De Bonne Facture. The company also sells its own collection and its Mizunara Single Cask Whiskey brand, made in California. Another sign of the Oakland creativity was the opening in 2023 of a brand-new concept store called Two-Two, founded by Portland-born entrepreneur CC Doan, halfway between pop-up, gallery and boutique, bringing together the offbeat fashions of international designers, particularly from Asia. 'I first explored boutique opportunities in San Francisco and Oakland," explained Doan. 'In the end, I found the space in Grand Lake and all the right elements came together to make me feel like it could be a place for fashion, craft, and creative community. Because we have multiple ways people can discover and engage with our curation and also connect with each other, people don't see us as just a boutique. Someone may come in and shop one day, attend a creative workshop the next time, or come with friends to a pop-up we host with other creatives or artists. We get to witness people as multi-faceted beings, not just as customers. I think in that way there is demand for being seen authentically, to have a sense of belonging or connection with others, and to cater to self expression as a whole." At the Two-Two boutique, emerging designers and brands, with an emphasis on everyday wearable pieces, are displayed as if in an art gallery. 'These designers are often at a very sweet spot of both establishing their voice while having plenty of edge and playfulness to their approach and presentation. Caro Chia, Yusho Kobayashi, Lou Badger, Fey Fey Worldwide, Devastates and Grounds to name a few," added Doan. "Then there are designers and artists who I've met along my own creative journey over the years and having a space has brought us together to collaborate, like jewelry brand Ino, incense brand Hyungi, and ceramics by Studio Hecha. Another original initiative is that of Oakland-born designer Shauncy 'Salt' Jackson, who transformed her backyard into a safe space for community events hosted by her non-profit Oakland Don't Play Inc. She converted a storage container into a retail store where she sells her clothing line, Oakland Don't Play (ODP). "ODP is more than just a clothing brand," explained Jackson, via her website. 'It's a movement to remind the world that Oakland stands strong for its people, land, and unwavering commitment to equality. Inspired by the injustices faced by our community, ODP creates bold, fashion-forward clothing that proudly showcases Oakland pride. From the vibrant streets of Fruitvale to the serene shores of Lake Merritt, our designs capture the essence of our city and the spirit of its people."
Fashion Network
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
In Oakland, fashion retail makes San Francisco jealous
After twenty years of climbing the crime ladder, Oakland has been enjoying a new lease on life for the past few months. Long in the shadow of San Francisco, this symbol of American diversity - almost 50% of its population is Black and Latino - is showing a new optimism, with cutting-edge fashion boutiques opening in recent months. A new vintage clothing scene, Oakland now boasts around twenty vintage specialists including Mercy Vintage, The Sunshine Prophecy, Sola Lucy, Black Bear Apparel, Down at Lulu's and Mira Flores. In recent months, the city has also seen the emergence of a number of new boutiques, including Relove, opened in 2014 at 1815 Polk Street in San Francisco by Ethiopian-born Californian entrepreneur Delia Hailechristos, whose second store opened a stone's throw from the Grand Lake Theater in Oakland in 2023. Housed in a two-storey 1920s building, this new temple of vintage, with arches and columns on the first floor, offers a wide selection ranging from luxury vintage with brands such as Loewe, Dries Van Noten and Marc Jacobs, to creative Japanese labels such as Junya Watanabe, Doublet, Facetasm, workwear brands, and other couture pieces. Arranged by genre and color, Relove's wardrobe rubs shoulders with works of art belonging to the owner, such as paintings by local artist Jereme Mendez, or the in situ fresco dedicated to voguing by Devynn Barnes. The ground-floor lounge is occupied by objects for the home, candlesticks and ceramics from Mexico, a collection of vintage glasses and shoes. "Oakland is the heart of the whole Bay Area," said Hailechristos. 'All my creative friends live, create, work and perform here. The music, art and fashion scene is unlike anywhere else in the world. So it was only natural to open a boutique here. Oakland is a radical city, but one that doesn't draw the spotlight to itself." Oakland natives Marco Verdin and Tai Raino-Tsui, one the son of immigrants from El Salvador, the other a native American, opened their 3319 Marché in spring 2023, a hybrid fashion boutique combining vintage and contemporary offerings, conceived in place of a former hairdressing salon and designed as an art gallery, with furniture on display, live upcycling performances and curation of art objects and books. "We've created 3319 to appear as ambiguous as possible, throughout platforms both digitally and physically," explained the founders. "3319 is pioneering a new culture in Oakland, with a blend of elegance yet localized roots. The brand focuses on a range of artistic mediums: music, art, and fashion. Blending these three mediums in a highly curated way has given our brand a reputation foreign to its market, and allowed us to operate as much more than just a physical retail operation.' The racks at 3319 Marché feature a mix of haute couture-avant-garde brands 'not offered in any tangible way in the neighborhood,' added the founders, including Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Issey Miyake, Rick Owens, Craig Green, Martin Margiela, Yohji Yamamoto, Loewe and Kiko Kostadinov. Until the end of April, 3319 Marché is also home to the Dial Ring showroom, featuring second-hand items from brands such as Miu Miu, Comme des Garçons, Fendi, Marni, Prada and Raf Simons. Another Oakland reference, Standard & Strange, a multi-brand dedicated to crafted, heritage menswear, was founded by Jeremy Smith and Neil Berrett. "We started out in 2012 as two guys selling our own denim with a tiny 200-square-foot space in a back alley in Oakland. We saw that people wanted a warm, friendly, inclusive store that sold the denim and other gear we were wearing at the time,' said the founders. 'The first space we occupied had originally been the municipal stables for the City of Oakland. Then we moved into a new space around the corner to 5010 Telegraph Avenue, which is one of the oldest masonry buildings in Oakland.' After opening a second boutique in Santa Fe in 2019, the founders of Standard & Strange opened their third boutique at 238 Mulberry Street in Soho in 2021. Each boutique presents a different selection of well-made brands and pieces which have a strong narrative or story behind them. These include a large contingent of Japanese brands, with flagship denim by Momotaro, Kapital and OrSlow, ready-to-wear by Visvim and Porter luggage. Other heritage and craft brands complete the selection, including German Merz American John Gluckow and French De Bonne Facture. The company also sells its own collection and its Mizunara Single Cask Whiskey brand, made in California. Another sign of the Oakland creativity was the opening in 2023 of a brand-new concept store called Two-Two, founded by Portland-born entrepreneur CC Doan, halfway between pop-up, gallery and boutique, bringing together the offbeat fashions of international designers, particularly from Asia. 'I first explored boutique opportunities in San Francisco and Oakland," explained Doan. 'In the end, I found the space in Grand Lake and all the right elements came together to make me feel like it could be a place for fashion, craft, and creative community. Because we have multiple ways people can discover and engage with our curation and also connect with each other, people don't see us as just a boutique. Someone may come in and shop one day, attend a creative workshop the next time, or come with friends to a pop-up we host with other creatives or artists. We get to witness people as multi-faceted beings, not just as customers. I think in that way there is demand for being seen authentically, to have a sense of belonging or connection with others, and to cater to self expression as a whole." At the Two-Two boutique, emerging designers and brands, with an emphasis on everyday wearable pieces, are displayed as if in an art gallery. 'These designers are often at a very sweet spot of both establishing their voice while having plenty of edge and playfulness to their approach and presentation. Caro Chia, Yusho Kobayashi, Lou Badger, Fey Fey Worldwide, Devastates and Grounds to name a few," added Doan. "Then there are designers and artists who I've met along my own creative journey over the years and having a space has brought us together to collaborate, like jewelry brand Ino, incense brand Hyungi, and ceramics by Studio Hecha. Another original initiative is that of Oakland-born designer Shauncy 'Salt' Jackson, who transformed her backyard into a safe space for community events hosted by her non-profit Oakland Don't Play Inc. She converted a storage container into a retail store where she sells her clothing line, Oakland Don't Play (ODP). "ODP is more than just a clothing brand," explained Jackson, via her website. 'It's a movement to remind the world that Oakland stands strong for its people, land, and unwavering commitment to equality. Inspired by the injustices faced by our community, ODP creates bold, fashion-forward clothing that proudly showcases Oakland pride. From the vibrant streets of Fruitvale to the serene shores of Lake Merritt, our designs capture the essence of our city and the spirit of its people."
Axios
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Exclusive: Get a taste of the DMV's hottest new restaurants at this festival
Long-running food festival New Kitchens on the Block is back, and the preview party for upcoming DMV bars and restaurants is as exciting as ever. Why it matters: NKOTB is a rare chance to try local businesses before they open — some from star chefs (hey, Marcus Samuelsson) and others from rising talents you should know. How it works: Co-founders Al Goldberg of Mess Hall — which hosts the Saturday, April 26 event — and food writer Nevin Martell curate a dynamic lineup of forthcoming bars and restaurants for their 11th festival. Some will open soon, others are still searching for spaces. The past 60+ participants include Rose Previte with Maydan, Call Your Mother (before it was CYM), and Oyster Oyster. Guests will sample food and drinks from nearly a dozen vendors over two afternoon sessions, plus cocktails, Right Proper beers, and stuffed goodie bags for VIP ticket holders. Limited early-bird passes (starting at $99 or $139 VIP) are now available via Eventbrite. We got an exclusive sneak peek at who's coming, what they're planning and when(ish) they'll open. Marcus DC, a seafood-focused brasserie from celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson (Harlem's Red Rooster), is opening by Union Market. ETA: Spring Samuelsson, an Ethiopian-born, Swedish-American chef, has taken over three venues in The Morrow Hotel (deets coming soon). The brasserie will serve global fin fare—raw, cured, and dry-aged—plus steaks and comfort food classics. Chef Anthony Jones, a Food Network and Dirty Habit alum, will helm the kitchen. Barbouzard, a French-Mediterranean restaurant helmed by chef Cedric Maupillier (ex-Convivial), is opening near Farragut Square. ETA: Spring/Summer. The former Kellari Taverna space is getting a lively coastal med makeover with indoor and outdoor dining, a piano and DJ booth, and a Champagne lounge. Côte d'Azur-chic is matched with Maupillier's Francophile fare, high-end seafood, and in-house bread and pastry program. Electric Bull, a new-wave steakhouse by chef Victor Albisu (Taco Bamba), is opening in Vienna, VA. ETA: Summer. Albisu, a former BLT Steak chef who opened South American steakhouse Del Campo, is back to his roots with a unique 80-seat steakhouse. Expect Latin spins on raw bar and grilled apps, classic and lesser-seen cuts, lamb ribs, homemade chorizos, and the return of Albisu's signature burger and rolled skirt steak. Also: a butcher counter for meats to-go. Chai Pani, a smash-hit Indian restaurant by Meherwan Irani out of Asheville, NC, is opening near Union Market. ETA: Late summer. Look for Irani's James Beard Award-winning street foods like crispy okra fries, bhel puri chaats, "sloppy jai" sandwiches, and homestyle thali platters in Chai Pani's signature kaleidoscopic setting. Burnt Hill Farm, a destination overlooking the Appalachian Mountains from the siblings behind Old Westminster Winery and chef Tae Strain (D.C.'s Momofuku). ETA: Fall The estate vineyard in Clarksburg, MD (roughly 40 minutes outside D.C.) will host an immersive fine dining experience from Strain, who blends local ingredients and traditions with his Asian-American heritage. Marv's Dogs, a lively fast-casual from Diane Gross (Cork Wine Bar), is opening in Tenleytown. ETA: Fall Hot dogs and video games — that's one of Gross's fondest childhood memories with her late dad, Marv, which is the inspiration for this family-friendly concept. The restaurant will dish up nostalgic dogs, soft-serve and canned beer and wine, while guests can play vintage arcades in a game room below. Nhau by Moon Rabbit, a cocktail bar from chef Kevin Tien and bar director Thi Nguyen, is opening near Dupont Circle. ETA: TBA. An offshoot of the modern Vietnamese restaurant's award-winning cocktail program, Nhau will highlight Southeast Asian flavors in boldly flavored drinks and snacks. Snow Crane, a Japanese ice cream concept by former Rose's Luxury chef Takeshi Nishikawa. ETA: TBA Fine dining chops meet Japanese ice cream in Nishikawa's concept, which is currently on a pop-up circuit and will likely open near his Hyattsville home. Look for artful scoops using sweet and savory ingredients from Japan, like milk ice cream topped with Okinawa black sugar syrup.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israel delays prisoner release after Hamas frees six hostages
Israel is delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said, after Gaza militants freed six hostages in the latest swap. "In light of Hamas's repeated violations, including the ceremonies that humiliate our hostages and the cynical exploitation of our hostages for propaganda purposes, it has been decided to delay the release of terrorists," Netanyahu's office announced early on Sunday. The release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners is now on hold "until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies," the statement added. Palestinian extremist group Hamas on Saturday handed over six more hostages to Red Cross representatives in the Gaza Strip. In return for the men's release, Israel had been set to free 602 Palestinian prisoners, including 50 serving life sentences, according to Palestinian information. According to eyewitnesses, preparations for the release of the prisoners were cancelled on Saturday evening. Earlier, Hamas had warned in a statement that Israel would no longer find mediators for the conflict if it violated the agreement and refused to release the prisoners. Hamas hostage handover draws criticism The six hostages were turned over to the Red Cross in different parts of Gaza, with 40-year-old Tal Shoham and long-term captive Avera Mengistu, 39, released first in the city of Rafah. Omer Shem-Tov, Eliya Cohen and Omer Wenkert, all in their 20s, were then handed over to Red Cross representatives in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. The final hostage freed on Saturday was Hisham al-Sayed, 36, who was released in Gaza City after almost 10 years in captivity. The hostage handover was once again staged by masked and armed Hamas fighters, with onlookers, loud music, and Palestinian flags. The hostages were paraded on stages and apparently told to smile and wave to the crowds that had assembled amid buildings laid to ruins during more than 16 months of war. Israeli media aired a propaganda video showing two Israeli hostages being forced by Hamas to watch the release of other hostages in Nuseirat from close range while they themselves remained in captivity. In a statement, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum called this a cruel form of psychological torment. Two freed after a decade in captivity Al-Sayed and Ethiopian-born Mengistu had been held by Hamas for around 10 years, after they had crossed the border into the Gaza Strip voluntarily in 2015 and 2014 respectively. Hamas released recordings of the two during captivity, with Al-Sayed shown lying in a bed with an oxygen mask in 2022. The images caused outrage in Israel. According to Israeli sources, both men are dealing with psychological issues. The other four men were abducted on October 7, 2023, by Hamas and other extremist groups during their unprecedented massacre in southern Israel, which resulted in 1,200 deaths. More than 250 people were taken hostage that day. More than 48,300 Palestinians have been killed in the war that followed, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority. Shem-Tov, Cohen and Wenkert - aged 22, 27 and 23 years old respectively - were kidnapped at the Nova music festival near the Gaza border, while Shoham, who also holds Austrian citizenship, was seized from the nearby Be'eri kibbutz while visiting relatives there. Hamas released three of the six hostages earlier than planned, after they were originally due to be freed next weekend in accordance with the ceasefire agreement. The militia wanted to ensure that the release of dozens of its high-ranking members from Israeli prisons did not fail at the last minute, media reported. Second phase uncertain Hamas is set to hand over the bodies of four more Israeli hostages next week, in the final step in the first phase of the ceasefire agreement. The multi-stage ceasefire agreement, that began on January 19, stipulates that during the first six-week phase, a total of 33 hostages will be gradually released in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners. So far Hamas has released 25 hostages in several rounds, as well as four bodies. Five Thai nationals kidnapped from Israel were released independently of the agreement. The second phase of the agreement should lead to a definitive end to the war and to the release of the remaining hostages, but it is unclear whether it can actually be implemented. Hamas wants a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal. Israel is insisting on its war aim of completely destroying Hamas. More than 60 hostages are still being held in the Gaza Strip, about half of whom are no longer believed to be alive.
