Cease-Fire Holds as 8 Israeli Hostages are Freed in Chaotic Scenes
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed strong concern over the treatment of hostages during their release, stating, “I view with utmost severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages.”
Hamas handed over eight hostages—three Israelis and five Thai nationals—in a chaotic exchange on Thursday, in return for 110 Palestinian prisoners set to be released later.
The first hostage released was Agam Berger, 20, who was abducted by Hamas terrorists during the Oct. 7 attacks near the Nahal Oz military base. The release of seven other hostages, including a female soldier, Arbel Yehoud, 29, and Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old man, along with five Thai nationals, was confirmed by the Israeli Defense Forces in a statement on Telegram on Thursday morning.
Netanyahu condemned the treatment of the hostages by Hamas gunmen, calling it “additional proof of the inconceivable brutality of the Hamas terrorist organization.”
Israeli journalist Emily Schrader criticized the Red Cross and other mediators for allowing the hostages to face such mistreatment during their release.
The hostages had been held in Gaza since October and were released as part of a recent cease-fire agreement.
Israeli officials expressed dissatisfaction with the scenes that unfolded during the release of Yehoud and Moses.
The IDF confirmed that the hostages were receiving initial medical assessments upon their return to Israeli territory.
The 110 Palestinian prisoners being released included high-profile figures like Zakaria Zubeidi, a former commander of Fatah’s al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades.
Further releases are scheduled as part of the three-phase cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
President Donald Trump recently called for neighboring Arab nations to accept more Palestinian refugees from Gaza to help rebuild the war-torn region.
