Israel and Hamas Reach Ceasefire Agreement, Leading to Release of Captives

In the latest development of the ongoing ceasefire and captive exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas, a total of eight captives, including three Israelis and five foreign nationals, have been freed from Gaza. This marks the third phase of the deal, which is part of efforts to bring an end to the conflict that has persisted for over a year.

The Israeli military confirmed that Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moshe Mozes, both Israeli citizens, were among those released, along with five Thai nationals: Thaenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakhan, Sriaoun Watchara, Saethao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak. Additionally, an Israeli soldier, Berger, was the first to be freed on Thursday, emerging from rubble in the Jabalia refugee camp, an area that has seen consistent bombardment by Israeli forces since October 2023.

Later on the same day, an Israeli civilian, Arbel Yehoud, was released in the southern city of Khan Younis, a location previously associated with the former Hamas political leader Yahya Sinwar.

As part of the agreement, Israel is set to release 110 Palestinians from Israeli prisons, with the scheduled time for their release set for 5 PM local time, after a brief delay caused by the Israeli government. The Palestinian Prisoners' Information Office has confirmed the announcement, following mediation efforts to ensure the safe exit of captives and the subsequent release of Palestinian prisoners.

This exchange follows a previous phase, where four female Israeli soldiers were released by Hamas, along with 200 Palestinians freed from Israeli prisons. Reports from Gaza indicated a large gathering of civilians, including children, women, and the elderly, at the location in Khan Younis for the captives' handover, with both Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters in the area to oversee the exchange.

Despite the progress, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed disappointment, arguing that the scenes of the captives' release were indicative of Israel's failure to achieve a "complete victory" in Gaza. He criticized the ceasefire deal as being reckless.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed joy over the release of the five Thai nationals, who had been held captive for over a year. The Thai government has also called for the immediate release of the remaining hostages, including one Thai national, urging efforts to bring them back to their families safely.