Key takeaways:
– Israeli hostage, Agam Berger, has been released in Gaza as part of an ongoing prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas.
– Two more Israelis, alongside five Thai hostages, are slated for release later.
– In return for the hostages, Israel will free 110 Palestinian prisoners.
– The exchange is part of a larger ceasefire plan, which will see 33 Israeli hostages return home within the first six weeks.
– Of the remaining hostages, seven are dual U.S. nationals, with their release timeline still unconfirmed.
Hostages Released in First Phase of Exchange
In accordance with the terms of the ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas, 20-year-old Agam Berger became the latest Israeli to regain her freedom on Thursday. The peaceful exchange took place among the ruins of Jabalia Refugee Camp in northern Gaza. Berger belonged to an all-female Israeli military unit that had been surveilling Gaza. All members of this unit had been taken hostage during a violent attack by Hamas on Israel in October last year.
Additional Hostage Releases Expected
Apart from Berger, the prisoner exchange is expected to bring about the release of two more Israeli nationals, including an octogenarian, and five Thai hostages. Israeli citizens Arbel Yehoud, 29, and Gadi Moses, 80, are anticipated to be handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza. Reports indicate that a large crowd gathered to witness this exchange near the residence of deceased Hamas commander Yahya Sinwar.
Palestinian Prisoners to be Set Free
As part of the ongoing exchange, Israel is gearing up to release 110 Palestinian prisoners. The release comes as a result of the ceasefire agreement stipulating the release of certain Palestinian prisoners and the return of some residents to their homes in northern Gaza.
Issuing of Netzarim Corridor Permits
According to the agreement, post the release of the Israeli women, Palestinians would be granted the liberty to cross the Netzarim Corridor, separating Gaza’s north and south. Following the delay in Yehoud’s release, Israel had initially denied this privilege. But the situation was quickly remedied after negotiations resulting in added releases, including Yehoud. As per the modified agreement, Israel commenced granting Palestinians access to northern Gaza as of Monday.
Return of Gaza Residents
Early reports suggest that tens of thousands of individuals have already started returning to the northern Gaza region. Heartrending scenes of people finding the remnants of their houses and loved ones have surfaced, along with heartwarming moments of families reuniting after several months.
Additional Hostages to be Released
Among the hostages whose identities are yet to be confirmed by Israel, a few are believed to be Thai nationals working in agriculture in Israel, captured during the October attack. As part of the first phase of the ceasefire deal spanning six weeks, Hamas and its allies will release a total of 33 Israeli hostages.
Upcoming Exchange Plans
The next exchange is slated to occur on Saturday and will likely see the release of male hostages in Gaza. Ultimately, despite Berger’s release, 88 hostages – both deceased and living – still remain in Gaza, as confirmed by Israeli officials. These include seven American-Israeli dual citizens. The specifics regarding their release remain vague.
The ongoing prisoner-hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas indicates a potential de-escalation of tension in the Gaza conflict. However, the future remains uncertain, with the second, more challenging phase of the ceasefire yet to begin.