Three Israelis — female soldier, female civilian and an elderly man — and Five Thais Freed Amid Tumultuous Exchange

In a tense and chaotic exchange on Thursday, Hamas released three Israeli hostages—Agam Berger, Arbel Yehoud, and Gadi Moses—alongside five Thai nationals. The handover, intended as a step toward de-escalation, was fraught with disorder, particularly in Khan Younis, where militants struggled to control crowds during the transfer.

The release was part of a ceasefire agreement brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, aiming to facilitate the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. However, the process was marred by delays and confusion, highlighting the fragility of the truce.

Agam Berger, a 20-year-old Israeli soldier, was the first to be handed over to the Red Cross in Jabalia. Following her release, Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Moses were transferred in Khan Younis, where the situation quickly deteriorated. Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants, responsible for Yehoud’s captivity, struggled to maintain order as crowds pressed in, leading to a chaotic scene that underscored the volatility of the situation.

The five Thai nationals, agricultural workers abducted during the October 2023 attack by Hamas, were also released as part of the deal. Their names have not been publicly disclosed, but their release has been confirmed by Thai authorities, who have been actively involved in negotiations.

This exchange is the third of its kind under the current ceasefire, with previous releases also experiencing significant challenges. The delicate nature of these operations, coupled with the high stakes involved, has led to a series of tumultuous handovers that have tested the resolve of all parties involved.

As part of the agreement, Israel has committed to releasing 110 Palestinian prisoners, including individuals convicted of deadly attacks. This aspect of the deal has been a point of contention within Israeli society, with debates over the potential security risks associated with releasing convicted militants.

The released hostages are undergoing medical evaluations and are expected to reunite with their families soon. The emotional toll of their captivity, coupled with the tumultuous nature of their release, underscores the profound human impact of this ongoing conflict.