Hamas freed eight hostages on Thursday, including three Israeli and five Thai nationals, while Israel released more than 100 Palestinian prisoners in the third round of exchanges under the ongoing ceasefire deal.
There were emotional scenes in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank as captives and prisoners were reunited with their loved ones. Palestinians poured onto the streets of Gaza and the West Bank to greet the 110 prisoners.
The release was initially delayed after Israeli authorities cited “unacceptable, chaotic scenes” during the handover in southern Gaza. A footage showed two Israeli hostages and five Thai hostages shuffling through a huge crowd of people as they were escorted by armed militants in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.
Hamas first freed Israeli soldier Agam Berger, followed later by Arbel Yehoud, Gadi Mozes, and five Thai nationals in Khan Younis. An eighth hostage was released separately earlier in the day.
“During the release of our hostages today, we all saw shocking scenes. We made it clear to the mediators that we do not intend to accept any risk to our hostages, and I will add, whoever dares to harm them will pay the price,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which has been facilitating the hostage transfers, urged improvements in security measures after footage showed the latest group being escorted through large crowds by armed militants.
“Throughout the release process, the ICRC’s focus is on ensuring the safe and secure transfers of those in its care,” a statement from ICRC added.
Ceasefire and exchange of prisoners and hostages
The truce has temporarily halted Israeli military operations and allowed humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, Israeli officials have warned that if Hamas does not agree to further releases, military action will resume. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to extend the ceasefire and secure the release of additional captives.
Under phase one of the ceasefire and hostage release deal, Hamas is expected to free a total of 33 Israeli hostages, while Israel is set to release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Two previous exchanges have taken place, but Israeli authorities have stated that eight of the remaining hostages set for release are deceased.
So far, a total of 15 Israeli hostages, including five Thai workers, and 400 Palestinian prisoners have been set free since January 19.
The exchange of hostages for prisoners is a key part of a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the deadliest 15-month war ever fought between Israel and Hamas.
At least 1,139 Israeli people were killed and more than 200 were abducted in the Hamas-led attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel responded with an air and ground war that has killed over 47,000 Palestinians, over half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Palestinians return home to destruction in war-ravaged Gaza
This week, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians returned to northern Gaza, which has been largely devastated. Israeli military strikes have turned most of Gaza to rubble. According to the UN, some 69% of all structures in the strip have been destroyed or damaged in the past 15 months of war.
Crowds of Palestinians streamed into Gaza, carrying bedrolls, bottles of water and other belongings. The UN reported over 200,000 people heading north by Monday morning. Many displaced Palestinians, who have been living in dire conditions in tent camps or former schools, were eager to return home, despite the likelihood of finding their homes damaged or destroyed.
ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric also emphasized the need for all parties to uphold agreements and ensure operations are conducted safely and with dignity. “We are relieved that more people have been safely returned home,” Spoljaric said. “However, today’s conditions underscore the importance of all parties upholding their agreements and ensuring operations take place in a safe and dignified manner. The security of these operations must be assured, and we urge for improvements in the future.”