Hamas Releases Eight Hostages, Including Israelis and Thais, Under Ceasefire Agreement

On Thursday, eight hostages, comprising three Israelis and five Thais, were freed by Hamas as part of a hostage-for-prisoner exchange. This occurred over a year after the Oct. 7, 2022, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, which resulted in their abduction. Agam Berger, an Israeli army soldier, was the first to be released in a meticulously organized ceremony in northern Gaza. However, the second hostage release in southern Gaza turned chaotic as large crowds surged forward to catch a glimpse of the freed individuals.

Cease-fire deal and future steps

The release of the hostages forms part of a 42-day cease-fire agreement that came into effect this month, halting the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Under this cease-fire, Hamas consented to incrementally release 33 out of the nearly 100 remaining hostages in return for the release of over 1,000 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, as well as a partial Israeli withdrawal.