Third phase of hostage exchange between Israel, Hamas completed
Hamas militants escort Isreali hostage Agam Berger (C) on a stage before handing her over to a Red Cross team in Jabalia on January 30, 2025, as part of their third hostage-prisoner exchange. (AFP Photo)
The third phase of the hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas was completed on Thursday, marking a significant step in the ongoing ceasefire agreement.
Three Israeli hostages were released by Hamas and handed over to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the Jabalia refugee camp, located in northern Gaza.
The hostages released during this phase included Agam Berger, 20, Arbel Yehud, 29, and Gadi Moses, 80. Berger was the first to be freed after being taken captive during Hamas’s attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Yehud and Moses were freed shortly thereafter, with all three being transferred to the ICRC after being briefly shown in public by Hamas militants.
In exchange for the three Israeli hostages, Israel is set to release 110 Palestinian prisoners. Among the prisoners to be freed are 30 minors, which highlighted the broad scope of the deal that involves hundreds of individuals from both sides of the conflict.
Hostage exchange takes place near home of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar
The exchange took place near the home of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in northern Gaza. The release is considered a key step toward peace, although the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen.
Since the ceasefire began on Jan.19, this is the third hostage swap under the agreement.
The first phase of the cease-fire led to the release of numerous hostages, including individuals from other countries such as Thailand. These exchanges are seen as vital steps toward reducing violence and working toward a longer-term resolution.
Ongoing tensions over aid deliveries
While the hostage exchanges continue, tensions persist over the delivery of aid to Gaza. Hamas has accused Israel of delaying the shipment of crucial supplies, including fuel, machinery and other necessary items, which were meant to enter Gaza during the first week of the cease-fire.
Israel’s defense ministry has dismissed these accusations, calling them “fake news,” and states that thousands of aid trucks have already entered Gaza.
However, the situation remains tense, and both sides continue to urge each other to fulfill their commitments under the agreement.
Cease-fire deal aims for long-term peace
The hostage exchange is just one component of the broader ceasefire agreement, which was brokered by international powers such as the United States, Qatar and Egypt. Along with the release of prisoners, the deal envisions the eventual reconstruction of Gaza and the return of any remaining deceased hostages.
Though the ceasefire continues, negotiations for a long-term resolution are still underway, with significant challenges ahead.
The exchange of hostages and prisoners provides some hope, but the war has caused massive destruction. Gaza has suffered devastating damage, and the humanitarian crisis remains a critical issue, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
While the success of the ceasefire deal in facilitating the release of prisoners and hostages is promising, there are still important issues to resolve before lasting peace can be achieved.
Five Thais were freed along with three Israelis held by Hamas as part of a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the Gaza war.
The Thai nationals were: Watchara Sriaoun, Pongsak Tanna, Sathian Suwannakham, Surasak Lamnau, and Bannawat Saethao, according to the Israeli prime minister’s office.
Thailand has about 30,000 citizens in Israel, most of them working in the agricultural sector, where they earn significantly higher salaries as farm labourers than they would at home.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said she was “elated” Thursday at the release of five Thai hostages held in Gaza for over a year.
A total of 46 Thai workers have been killed since the October 2023 attacks, according to the foreign ministry in Bangkok.
Thailand’s Ministry of Labour said last week that the country will expand its workforce in Israel by 13,000 positions.
The Thai government initially believed that 32 of its citizens had been abducted during the Hamas’ attack, but the figure was later revised down to 31.
Israeli PM says’shocking scenes’ at hostage release
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed what he described as “shocking scenes” during the handover on Thursday of seven hostages including two Israelis.
“I view with great severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages. This is yet another proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organisation,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
“I demand that the mediators ensure such horrific scenes do not recur and guarantee the safety of our hostages,” Netanyahu added.
“Anyone who dares to harm our hostages will bear full responsibility for their actions,” he said.
Seven hostages released in Gaza on Thursday are back on Israeli soil where the two Israelis among them will be reunited with their families, the Israeli military said.
“A short while ago, accompanied by Israeli army and ISA (security agency) forces, the seven returning hostages crossed the border into Israeli territory,” the military said, adding that the two Israeli hostages will be reunited with their families and the five Thai hostages will be met by Thai officials.
Scenes of captives’ handover in Gaza ‘complete failure’ for Israel: Ben-Gvir
Former Israeli National Security Minister far-right Itamar Ben-Gvir called Thursday the handover scenes of Israeli captives by Palestinian resistance factions in Gaza a “complete failure.”
“The horrifying images coming from Gaza show that this is not a complete victory, but rather a complete failure – an unprecedented reckless deal,” Ben-Gvir, the leader of the far-right Jewish Power Part, wrote on his X account.
Ben-Gvir renewed his call to deny Palestinians in Gaza access to humanitarian aid, fuel, electricity, and water, advocating for a full-scale Israeli military assault. “But (Benjamin Netanyahu’s government) has chosen the path of surrender,” he added.
