In a dramatic turn of events, Israel agreed on Thursday to release 110 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 minors, reversing an earlier decision to delay the exchange. This move came after Hamas released three Israeli and five Thai hostages under the ongoing Gaza ceasefire.
The decision followed a tense situation where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had initially suspended the prisoner release. Security concerns were cited after chaotic scenes unfolded during the handover of hostages in southern Gaza, with militants struggling to control crowds of hundreds of Gazans.
Mediation efforts played a crucial role in salvaging the third round of hostage-prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas. The day’s exchange began with the release of 20-year-old Israeli soldier Agam Berger, who was captured during Hamas’s attack on a military base. Footage showed her emerging from damaged buildings in Jabalia, northern Gaza, before being transferred to Israeli custody.
In the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, Hamas released two more Israelis—29-year-old Arbel Yahoud and 80-year-old Gadi Mozes—along with five Thai agricultural workers who had been held captive since they were taken from southern Israel.
The chaotic handover drew condemnation from Netanyahu, who called the scenes “shocking” and urged international mediators to ensure the safe transfer of hostages. Initially, Israel delayed the release of Palestinian prisoners, demanding guarantees for the safety of future exchanges. However, after mediators secured assurances, the prisoner release proceeded as planned.
In Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, crowds celebrated the latest releases amidst ongoing weekly protests calling for a ceasefire-for-hostages deal. Many held photos of those still held in Gaza, hoping for their safe return. Some hostages, including those believed to be deceased, are expected to be freed in later phases of the agreement.
This exchange marks the third since the Gaza ceasefire began, with more than 60 Israeli hostages and 290 Palestinian prisoners exchanged under the truce. While mediators push to extend the pause in fighting, Israel insists that the ceasefire will not derail its broader campaign against Hamas.
All released hostages underwent medical evaluations in Israel. Reports indicate that Mozes, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz, is in good condition, as is Berger, who was taken to a hospital in Petah Tikva.
Thursday’s events highlight the fragile nature of the ceasefire deal as both sides navigate distrust and competing demands. The international community watches closely, hoping these developments pave the way for lasting peace in the region.
