Three Israeli hostages, including two civilians and one soldier, are expected to be released by Hamas on Thursday. The individuals, named by Israeli officials on Wednesday, are IDF soldier Agam Berger, 20, and civilians Arbel Yehoud, 29, and Gadi Mozes, 80. In addition, five Thai nationals are also set to be freed, as part of a broader prisoner exchange agreement.
The hostages’ release follows mediation by Egypt and Qatar, with their families informed about the imminent return of their loved ones. Israel has confirmed the release of the Thai hostages, although their names have not been disclosed. Currently, eight Thai nationals remain in Gaza, along with one Nepalese and one Tanzanian national, the latter of whom has been declared dead by Israeli authorities, as have two Thai citizens.
The release of these hostages comes as part of a wider arrangement, which includes the release of additional captives, with three more individuals set to be freed on Saturday. Thursday’s release was added after a dispute regarding the earlier release of Yehoud, which was resolved on Monday.
Hostage Situation and Ongoing Negotiations
The situation remains complex as not all hostages are likely to be freed simultaneously. Berger is currently held by Hamas, while Yehoud and Mozes are under the custody of Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The precise logistics of their release remain unclear.
The release of Yehoud had been a major sticking point in the broader ceasefire and hostage exchange deal, which began on January 19. Yehoud had been initially set to be released in the previous exchange but was not, leading to a temporary halt in the return of Palestinian prisoners to northern Gaza. This issue was later resolved when Palestinian Islamic Jihad agreed to classify Yehoud as a civilian, allowing for her release as part of the current batch.
Meanwhile, Israel has raised concerns regarding the condition of another hostage, Shiri Bibas, and her two young children, Ariel and Kfir. These captives, who are included under the terms of the agreement, have yet to be released.
Background on the Hostages
The three Israelis set to be freed on Thursday were among the 251 hostages taken by Hamas and other militant groups during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which left over 1,200 dead. As part of the ongoing agreement, Israel will release 110 Palestinian security prisoners in exchange for these hostages, including life-sentenced prisoners.
Yehoud, a civilian abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, had been expected to be part of the initial release but was instead replaced with four IDF soldiers. Her release, alongside Berger and Mozes, marks a significant step forward in the hostage exchange process.
Agam Berger, a talented violinist and IDF soldier, was captured from the Nahal Oz military base on October 7. She had only recently joined the base and was abducted during the attacks that day. Berger was seen in a video released by Hamas, where she appeared disoriented and still in her pajamas.
Mozes, an 80-year-old agronomist and founding member of Kibbutz Nir Oz, was also taken during the attack. His partner was killed in the assault, and his family has been waiting for his return.
The ongoing hostage exchange and ceasefire efforts continue to evolve, as Israel and Hamas navigate the complex dynamics of negotiations and releases.
Key Points:
Three Israeli Hostages to be Freed Thursday: IDF soldier Agam Berger (20), civilian Arbel Yehoud (29), and civilian Gadi Mozes (80) are among the hostages set for release by Hamas.
Five Thai Nationals Also Set to be Released: Along with the three Israelis, five Thai nationals will be freed as part of the same agreement.
Mediators Involved: Egypt and Qatar have facilitated the communication between Hamas and Israel, with the hostages’ families notified in advance.
Exchange Details: In exchange for the hostages, Israel will release 110 Palestinian prisoners, including some serving life sentences.
Additional Releases Planned for Saturday: Three more hostages are scheduled for release on Saturday, as part of the larger ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal.
Hostage Situation Complexity: Hostages held by different groups (Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad) may not be released at the same time or location.
Yehoud’s Release Delay: Yehoud’s release was delayed earlier due to a dispute over her classification as a civilian, which was resolved by Palestinian Islamic Jihad agreeing to reclassify her.
Concerns Over Other Hostages: Israel has expressed concerns about the condition of other hostages, including Shiri Bibas and her two young children, who have not been released yet.
Background of the Hostages: The hostages were taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths.
Previous Releases: Seven female hostages have been released under the ceasefire deal, with Mozes being the first male to be freed.
