Three Israeli and five Thai hostages released in Gaza

Israel delayed freeing 110 Palestinian detainees in exchange, including 30 children, because of chaotic scenes during hostage release

Arbel Yehoud, 29, who had been held in Gaza since October 7, 2023, is escorted by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters as she is handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis on Thursday. AP

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Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad released three Israeli and five Thai hostages on Thursday, with Israel freeing 110 Palestinian detainees in exchange after a delay of several hours because of chaotic scenes in Gaza during the hostage release.

The Palestinians being freed in return include 30 children and 11 detainees who will be exiled to Egypt, a source told The National. It was the third exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, one of the terms of the ceasefire mediated by the US, Qatar and Egypt that began on January 19.

Crowds cheered when the first hostage, Israeli soldier Agam Berger, 19, was released at Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, which is now nearly destroyed. Like the three female soldiers released in the previous round, she was wearing a green uniform and carrying a certificate bearing the Hamas insignia.

Officials from the International Committee for the Red Cross, Hamas and PIJ were present at the handover ceremony held amid the rubble. Ms Berger was reunited with her family after undergoing a medical assessment at a facility set up on the Israeli side of the Gaza border.

Israeli hostage Agam Berger stands on a stage with Hamas fighters after being released in Jabalia, northern Gaza. EPA

“The release of prisoners from Jabalia sends a strong message of defiance to the occupation, proving that Gaza remains resilient despite the destruction," camp resident Ali Al Majbar, 28, told The National.

Another resident, Muhammad Faraj, 45, said the release was "proof of the occupation’s failure, despite its massive operation lasting over three months, destroying every aspect of life. I lost my home in the war, and two of my children were martyred, yet my pride in the resistance and my support for its actions remain unwavering.”

The two other Israeli hostages, Arbel Yehoud, 29, and Gadi Mozes, 80, and five Thai citizens were released hours later near the destroyed home of killed Hamas commander Yahya Sinwar, in the southern city of Khan Younis. The handover was delayed amid chaos caused by the large crowd that gathered to watch.

Television footage showed masked men wearing Hamas and PIJ headbands trying to keep the crowds away as they escorted Ms Yehoud to Red Cross vehicles. The Israeli military confirmed Mr Mozes had also been released, and identified the five Thais freed as Thaenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakhan, Sriaoun Watchara, Saethao Bannawat and Rumnao Surasak.

The chaotic scenes prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order the release of the Palestinian prisoners to be delayed. In a statement, the Prime Minister's office said the Palestinian detainees would not be released "until the safe exit of our hostages is guaranteed". Mr Netanyahu said earlier that he viewed the chaos of the hostage release on Thursday with "great severity".

Alaa Abu Amra, 20, who was among the crowd that came to watch the hostage release in Khan Younis, said it was a proud moment. "After 15 months of fighting, we see results. I walked over 3km to be here – I wouldn’t miss this for anything,” he told The National. “These prisoners were released through negotiations, not through fighting. This moment gives us hope for what can be achieved.”

Buses carrying the Palestinian detainees finally began leaving Ofer prison in the occupied West Bank at 5pm, after "the mediators delivered a commitment that a safe exit will be guaranteed for our hostages who will be released in the next rounds", Mr Netanyahu's office said. "Israel insists that lessons will be learnt and that in the next rounds, there will be extra care in ensuring the safe return of our hostages."

Israel made some arrests among the crowd of relatives, loved ones and supporters that gathered earlier outside Ofer prison to await the release of the Palestinian detainees. The Palestinian Prisoners Society said 32 of those being released had been given life sentences. It added that Israeli intelligence had been calling families of the detainees to tell them to refrain from public displays of joy. "This type of evil behaviour aims to lower the families' morale and create a state of confusion and anxiety," the society said.

The hostages were among about 240 people captured during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, that led to Israel's military offensive in Gaza. Israel says 94 remained in captivity at the start of the ceasefire, of whom only about 60 were believed to be alive. Many of the hostages were freed during a one-week truce in November 2023, while others were rescued by Israeli forces during the war.

Additional reporting by Hamza Hendawi