Hamas has released Israeli soldier Agam Berger to the Red Cross in Gaza, marking the first of eight hostages set to be freed as part of an ongoing ceasefire between Israel and the group. Berger, 20, was among five female soldiers abducted during Hamas’ October 7 attack, with the others freed days earlier.
The release comes as part of a broader prisoner exchange that will see two more Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals freed in return for Israel’s release of 110 Palestinian prisoners.
Why It Matters
The temporary ceasefire has provided a reprieve from hostilities, allowing for hostage exchanges and humanitarian relief efforts. However, the situation remains fragile, with both sides maintaining hardline stances. Hamas has insisted on a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in future negotiations, while Israeli leaders continue to call for the militant group’s destruction. The current truce has enabled displaced Palestinians to return home, though much of northern Gaza has been reduced to rubble after months of war.
Who Has Been Released?
The Israeli hostages include Berger, civilian Arbel Yehoud, 29, and 80-year-old Gadi Moses. Five Thai nationals are also set to be freed, though their names have not been disclosed. Yehoud’s release was a point of contention, with Israel accusing Hamas of delaying her freedom, briefly disrupting ceasefire agreements. Meanwhile, Israel is set to release 110 Palestinian prisoners, including Zakaria Zubeidi, a former militant leader involved in a 2021 jailbreak.
Scenes of Joy and Tension
In Tel Aviv, crowds erupted in applause as images of Berger’s release appeared on large screens, with signs reading, “Agam, we’re waiting for you at home.” The Red Cross has facilitated the transfers, arriving at designated sites in Jabaliya and Khan Younis, where militants and onlookers gathered to witness the process.
How Did the Current Conflict in Gaza Start?
The conflict was triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 people. Israel’s recent war against Hamas in Gaza has resulted in more than 47,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health authorities. The figures provided by the ministry do not differentiate between combatants and civilians, although Israel claims to have killed some 17,000 Hamas militants without providing evidence.
What People Are Saying
Khammee Lamnao, the mother of Thai hostage Surasak Lamnau, said: “I cannot wait to see my son, I’ve been waiting for him.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on X: “Israel will not tolerate any violation of the agreement. We will continue to act for the return of all of our hostages, the living and the deceased.”
What Happens Next?
The first phase of the ceasefire is set to last six weeks, during which 33 hostages, including women, children, and elderly individuals, will be freed in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas has confirmed that eight of the hostages in this phase are deceased. If a second-phase deal is not reached, the war could resume in early March, with Israeli hardliners already calling for renewed military action.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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