Israel-Hamas
Gaza ceasefire: Hamas releases eight hostages amid chaotic scenes, Israel frees 110 prisoners
Hamas freed eight hostages on Thursday, the latest release by the group since the Gaza ceasefire began on January 19.
Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the eight hostages.
The released hostages included five Thai nationals.
Sharing details, the Israel Defense Forces wrote on X: "After 482 days, 8 hostages that were held captive by Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists in Gaza finally returned to Israel."
🟡 In Case You Missed It:
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 30, 2025
After 482 days, 8 hostages that were held captive by Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists in Gaza finally returned to Israel.
- Agam Berger, an IDF soldier, was the last of the 5 field observers to be released from captivity.
- Gad Moshe Mozes and…
Apart from the five Thai nationals, three Israelis were also released in the third phase of the exchange.
According to reports, the release process was delayed due to chaos since a crowd of Palestinians surrounded and jeered at hostages as they were turned over to the Red Cross.
Swipe for tears, hugs and relief. pic.twitter.com/TLt1HVxLMB
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 30, 2025
The five Thai nationals were identified as Thenna, Sathian, Sriaoun, Seathao and Rumnao.
Agam Berger, an IDF soldier, was released from northern Gaza.
The other two Israeli nationals freed during Thursday's exchange were identified as Gad Moshe Mozes and Arbel Yehud.
"We welcome all those who have returned to Israel and remain committed to bringing back all of our remaining hostages that are still held in Gaza," IDF wrote on X.
Arbel Yehoud is home 🇮🇱
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 30, 2025
She has finally reunited with her family where she belongs. pic.twitter.com/zgJhDdnmBs
The chaos broke out during the release of the other prisoners.
They were led by armed fighters through crowds of cheering spectators, many filming with mobile phones, before being handed over to the Red Cross in waiting vehicles, BBC reported.
The reunion we’ve been waiting for. pic.twitter.com/84oI7et5pn
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 30, 2025
The release reportedly occurred in front of the house of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar which Israel bombed.
Sinwar was believed to be the key architect of the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.
He was killed by Israeli troops in Rafah last year.
"There was a lot of chaos, there was a lot of pushing," a journalist who covered the handover told the BBC.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the chaos as 'shocking scenes'.
Israel had reportedly delayed the release of the Palestinian prisoners until it received an assurance that such scenes would not be repeated during the release of hostages.
The chaos during the release of prisoners was the latest hitch in the delicate ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas that halted the war which has been going on since the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Hamas had taken 251 hostages and killed 1200 people during the attacks, triggering Israel to commence its operation in Gaza.
Hamas has released fifteen hostages since the latest ceasefire began on January 19.
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