In a major breakthrough under the ongoing ceasefire agreement, three Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals have been released from captivity in Gaza. The hostage release, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross, marks one of the largest single exchanges since the truce began between Israel and Hamas.

Who Were the Released Hostages?

The Israeli citizens freed include:

• Agam Berger, 19, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier.
• Gadi Moses, 80, a civilian.
• Arbel Yehud, 29, a civilian.

The five Thai nationals, whose names have not been disclosed, were among dozens of foreign workers kidnapped by Hamas during their October 7 attack on Israel.

Chaotic Handover Sparks Criticism

The hostage handover process was met with chaos as large crowds gathered, causing distress for those being freed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the disorderly hostage transfer, calling for better coordination in future releases.

Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchange Deal

This hostage release is part of a broader ceasefire agreement mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. As part of the deal:

• Israel is set to release 110 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages.
• The ceasefire includes phased troop withdrawals and steps toward de-escalating the Gaza conflict.
• Ongoing negotiations aim to secure the freedom of remaining hostages still held by Hamas.

Impact on Thai Hostages

With the latest release, only three Thai nationals remain in captivity. Originally, 33 Thai workers were kidnapped in the October 7 Hamas attack, and many have been freed in previous exchanges. Thailand has been actively negotiating their release with support from Israeli and international mediators.

What’s Next for Hostage Negotiations?

While this latest hostage release is a significant step, many individuals remain captive. The Israeli government, alongside international partners, continues to push for further hostage negotiations to bring the remaining captives home safely.