Hamas releases eight Israeli hostages, including five Thai nationals

Eight hostages, including three Israelis and five Thai nationals, were released by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas and handed over to the Red Cross in Jabalia, north Gaza. 

The Israeli military received confirmation from the Red Cross that a total of eight captives were released in the latest exchange. 

It added that Israeli hostages including two females, named Arbel Yehoud, 29, Agam Berger, 29 and an 80-year-old male, Gadi Mozes, along with five foreign nationals, were en route to meet Israeli forces in Gaza.

Read: Palestinian woman celebrates reunion with husband freed from Israeli prison after over 10 years

According to Al-Jazeera Arabic, “the Israeli captives Gadi and Yehoud will head to Karam Abu Salem crossing to be handed to the Israeli forces there.”

The armed soldiers from both Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad participated in the hostage exchange ceremony along with two other factions.

The exchange took place in front of the destroyed house of martyred Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. 

Recently, released Thai captives were taken hostage on October 7, 2023. Several Thai workers were working as labourers in southern Israel when Hamas launched its October 7 attacks, CNN reported.

Read: Hamas releases four Israeli soldiers amid ceasefire

The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society said that Israel will release 110 Gazans, including 30 children, in the third phase of the ceasefire and captive exchange deal between Israel and Hamas. 

Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel is bound to withdraw forces from the Netzarim Corridor to permit hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to their homes in northern Gaza. 

Israel is expected to open the Rafah border for more humanitarian aid and other supplies.

During the Israeli military offensive in Gaza, over 47,000 Palestinians were killed, according to the Gaza authorities, with half of the casualties being women and children.