Hamas Releases Seven Hostages as Part of Truce Agreement with Israel

For the third time since the ceasefire began on January 19, Hamas has released a group of hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. On this occasion, seven people were handed over, including two Israelis and four Thai nationals. In return, Israel will release more than 100 Palestinians held in its prisons.

The hostages were transferred and handed over to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shabak, Israel’s security service, in the Gaza Strip. This agreement is part of an effort to ease tensions after more than 15 months of war, which began with Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

A Release Amid Uncertainty

The first person to be released was Agam Berger, a 20-year-old Israeli soldier. She was handed over to the Red Cross in Jabalia, in northern Gaza. Before her release, Hamas displayed her on a stage alongside armed and masked members, where they gave her a diploma and asked her to greet the audience. After this, Berger was taken to a hospital for examination.

Shortly after, Israel confirmed the release of two other Israelis and four Thai nationals. The rescued Israelis were Arbel Yehud, a 29-year-old civilian kidnapped along with her boyfriend’s family, and Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old man with dual German-Israeli citizenship.

The Prisoner Exchange

In exchange for these hostages, Israel will release 110 Palestinians held in its prisons, according to a Palestinian human rights organization. Among them, 32 are serving life sentences.

According to Israel’s announced schedule, three more hostages, all men and alive, will be released next Saturday. In total, the first phase of this agreement, which will last six weeks, aims for the release of 33 hostages, although eight of them have already died. In return, Israel will free around 1,900 Palestinians.

A Fragile Truce and a Humanitarian Crisis

This ceasefire has also allowed humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, a region facing a critical situation due to the war. However, Hamas has accused Israel of delaying the entry of essential supplies such as fuel, tents, and heavy machinery. According to their leaders, this could affect the implementation of the agreement and the future exchange of prisoners.

As the truce continues, the world watches closely to see whether both sides will honor the pact or if violence will erupt again.