Three Israeli Hostages Freed in Gaza Amid Ceasefire Deal
Palestinian militants began handing over three Israeli hostages in Gaza on Thursday, marking a hopeful moment in the ongoing conflict. In exchange, Israel is set to release 110 Palestinian prisoners as part of the latest stage of a ceasefire agreement.
In Jabalia, northern Gaza, Agam Berger, a female Israeli soldier, waved to the crowd from a podium before being handed over to the Red Cross. Meanwhile, in Khan Younis in the south, Gadi Moses, 80, and Arbel Yahud, 29, both abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas-led assault on October 7, embraced each other in the presence of masked militants. The emotional moment was captured in a video released by Islamic Jihad, an ally of Hamas.
A spokesman from the group's armed wing announced on Telegram that they had \"completed procedures to hand over two Israeli hostages.\"
An Israeli official reported that the hostages would be taken to different hospitals upon their return, pending medical evaluations.
Back in Israel, crowds gathered at what's become known as Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, uniting in support for those still held captive in Gaza.
So far, three Israeli civilians and four soldiers—all women—have been released since the ceasefire began on January 19. In return, Israel has freed 290 Palestinian convicts and detainees.
Over 250 hostages were taken during the assault in October. Around half were released the following month during a previous truce, while others have been recovered during Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has devastated the region.
Israel currently lists 90 captives still in Gaza, with approximately 30 declared dead in absentia.
The ongoing conflict has taken a heavy toll, leaving tens of thousands of Palestinians dead and the Gaza Strip in ruins.
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Palestinian militants begin handover of three Israeli hostages
cgtn.com
