In Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Hamas initiated the release of three Israeli and five Thai hostages on Thursday, marking the third such exchange since the ceasefire commenced earlier this month. Israel is anticipated to release 110 Palestinian prisoners in return.
This truce aims to de-escalate the most devastating war between Israel and Hamas, ignited by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The ceasefire remains in effect despite a recent disagreement over the hostage release timeline.
Hamas transferred Israeli soldier Agam Berger to the Red Cross in a ceremony held in Jabaliya’s heavily damaged refugee camp. The Israeli government subsequently confirmed Berger’s return.
Another ceremony, attended by numerous individuals including masked militants, was scheduled in Khan Younis, near the destroyed residence of a deceased Hamas leader.
In Tel Aviv, Israelis celebrated Berger’s release, shown on large screens alongside a countdown clock tracking the hostages’ captivity. Supporters displayed signs welcoming Berger home.
Berger was among five female soldiers abducted on October 7; the other four were freed on Saturday. Two additional Israelis, Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Moses, were also slated for release on Thursday.
The identities of the released Thai nationals haven’t been officially confirmed.
Numerous foreign workers, along with Israeli civilians and soldiers, were taken hostage during Hamas’s attack. Twenty-three Thais were among the over 100 hostages released during a November 2023 ceasefire. Israel reports eight Thais remain captive, with two presumed dead.
Among the prisoners slated for release from Israeli prisons are 30 serving life sentences for deadly attacks on Israelis. Zakaria Zubeidi, a former prominent militant leader and theater director, is also included in this release.
Israel stated that Yehoud’s release was originally planned for Saturday, leading to a delay in opening northern Gaza crossings.
The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, mediators of the ceasefire following extensive negotiations, resolved the dispute, securing Yehoud’s release on Thursday. Three more hostages and additional Palestinian prisoners are set for release on Saturday.
On Monday, Israel permitted Palestinians’ return to northern Gaza, the most heavily damaged area. Hundreds of thousands returned to find their homes reduced to rubble.
Cease-fire holds for now but next phase will be harder
In the ceasefire’s first phase, Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, encompassing women, children, elderly individuals, and those who are sick or wounded, in exchange for roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel states that Hamas has confirmed the deaths of eight hostages in this phase.
Palestinians celebrated the prisoner releases, viewing them as heroes who fought to end Israel’s occupation of territories intended for a future Palestinian state.
Israeli forces have withdrawn from most of Gaza, enabling the return of hundreds of thousands of people and allowing humanitarian groups to provide aid.
The agreement stipulates negotiations for a second phase involving the release of remaining hostages and indefinite ceasefire continuation. The war could resume in early March if no agreement is reached.
Despite Hamas’s re-establishment of control over Gaza, Israel maintains its commitment to destroying Hamas. A key member of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition already advocates for resuming hostilities after the first phase.
Hamas insists on releasing remaining hostages only with a war end and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Tens of thousands killed
Hamas initiated the war by sending thousands of fighters into Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, mostly civilians, and the abduction of around 250 people.
Israel’s subsequent air and ground offensive ranks among the deadliest and most destructive in recent decades. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 47,000 Palestinian deaths, more than half women and children, without specifying militant casualties.
The Israeli military claims over 17,000 militants were killed, without offering evidence, maintaining efforts to minimize civilian casualties. It attributes civilian deaths to Hamas’s operational tactics within residential areas.
The Israeli offensive has devastated neighborhoods, leaving widespread destruction. Approximately 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with hundreds of thousands residing in precarious conditions.
—Krauss reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writer Sam Mednick in Tel Aviv, Israel contributed.
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