Gaza City—In a significant step toward easing tensions, Palestinian militants in Gaza began handing over three Israeli hostages on Thursday as part of a ceasefire agreement. The exchange includes the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Among those freed is Agam Berger, a female Israeli soldier who was seen waving to a crowd from a podium in Jabalia, northern Gaza, before being handed over to representatives of the Red Cross. In southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, two civilians, 80-year-old Gadi Moses and 29-year-old Arbel Yahud, embraced each other in the presence of masked militants. Both were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the events of October 7, 2023.
A spokesperson from the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, an ally of Hamas, announced on Telegram that they had “completed procedures to hand over two Israeli hostages.” An Israeli official indicated that the hostages would be transported to hospitals across Israel, pending medical assessments upon their arrival.
In Tel Aviv’s central square, now commonly referred to as Hostages Square, crowds gathered to support efforts aimed at bringing home those still held in Gaza. This latest exchange brings the total number of Israeli civilians and soldiers released during the ceasefire to seven.
The ceasefire, which began earlier this month, has also seen Israel release 290 Palestinian convicts and detainees. More than 250 hostages were taken during the incidents on October 7, with Israel still reporting 90 individuals in captivity and approximately 30 declared dead in absentia.
The ongoing exchanges offer a glimpse of hope for families on both sides affected by the prolonged conflict. However, the situation remains delicate, and the international community continues to watch closely as events unfold.
