Hamas released three Israeli and five Thai hostages in Gaza on Thursday, while Israel initiated the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners after postponing the process due to frustrations over the large crowds at one of the hostage handover locations.

Arbel Yehoud, 29, who was taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, appeared anxious and had difficulty navigating through the crowd as armed militants transferred her to the Red Cross in a tense situation in Khan Younis, located in the southern part of Gaza.

Another Israeli hostage, Gadi Moses, 80, was also among those released, alongside five Thai workers employed on Israeli farms near the Gaza border, as militants breached the border fence. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed that the chaotic nature of the handover was alarming and issued a warning of severe consequences for anyone who harmed the hostages. He, along with Defence Minister Israel Katz, stated that they had instructed a delay in the release of prisoners “until the safe exit of our hostages in the subsequent phases is guaranteed.” The prime minister’s office later confirmed that mediators had pledged to secure the safe passage of hostages in future exchanges.

Later that day, buses arrived in Ramallah, a city in the West Bank, transporting some of the 110 Palestinian prisoners to be released as part of a phased agreement that ended over 15 months of conflict in the coastal region on January 19. Women dressed in traditional Palestinian attire celebrated with ululations as the buses carrying the freed detainees reached Ramallah, while men chanted, “we sacrifice our souls and blood for you.”

Zakaria Zubaidi, a prominent figure within the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, which is the military faction of the Fatah group, was notably the most recognized Palestinian prisoner released. He initially escaped from prison in 2021 alongside three other inmates but was subsequently recaptured. Zubaidi has long been regarded as a key leader in Jenin, a city in the West Bank known for its strong resistance against Israeli occupation and frequent military incursions, including a significant operation that occurred just a week prior.

CONFLICT IN RAMALLAH

According to Palestinian health officials, at least 14 individuals were injured due to Israeli gunfire, with some suffering from live and rubber bullets, while others experienced gas inhalation as they gathered at the entrance of Ramallah to greet the released prisoners. Footage captured the scene of Palestinians throwing stones at the police before fleeing as the police began to respond with gunfire. There was no immediate response from Israeli authorities.

Some prisoners from East Jerusalem returned to their homes, while others, who were expected to be transported to Gaza or deported to Egypt, had not yet arrived at their intended locations. Earlier, in Jabalia, northern Gaza, an Israeli soldier named Agam Berger was escorted through a narrow alley lined with heavily damaged structures and debris before being handed over to the Red Cross.

The family of the daughter expressed, “She is resilient, loyal, and courageous.” They added, “Now Agam and our family can start the healing journey, but true recovery will only be achieved when all hostages are safely home.” A video shared by Netanyahu’s office depicted a visibly emotional Berger, both crying and smiling while seated on her mother’s lap. Netanyahu has been criticized within Israel for not securing a hostage agreement sooner following the security lapses that allowed the Hamas attack on October 7.

HAMAS RESILIENCE

Despite Israel’s commitment to eradicate Hamas, the group maintains a significant presence in Gaza, enduring extensive bombardment from one of the Middle East’s most advanced militaries for over 15 months, alongside the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Al-Sinwar. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri remarked, “The elimination of leaders only strengthens and intensifies the resolve of the people,” referencing Sinwar, who was filmed by an Israeli drone, severely injured, defiantly throwing a piece of wood at the drone.

The release in Khan Younis occurred close to the devastated remains of Sinwar’s residence. Among the Palestinian prisoners are 30 minors and several convicted members of Palestinian factions linked to deadly attacks that have resulted in numerous fatalities in Israel.

In Tel Aviv, Israelis congregated in what is now referred to as Hostages Square, expressing a mix of joy and sorrow as they observed the release of hostages on a large screen. The freed individuals are set to receive medical care at a hospital.

The arrival of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, was met with cheers from the crowd, reflecting appreciation for his involvement in facilitating the ceasefire agreement. He engaged with family members of the hostages, offering handshakes and support.

The Hamas assault on Israel resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of over 250 hostages, marking the deadliest single attack on Jews since the Holocaust. Among those affected were numerous Thai agricultural workers.

In response, Israel’s military actions have led to the deaths of more than 47,000 Palestinians and devastated the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million people who are now facing critical shortages of medicine, fuel, and food supplies.

During a previous truce in November 2023, around half of the hostages were released, while others have been recovered, either alive or deceased, amid Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Hundreds of thousands of Gazans, many of whom have been displaced multiple times throughout the conflict, have returned to their northern neighborhoods, where the fighting was most severe. Unfortunately, many have discovered their homes to be unlivable, with essential goods in short supply.

Currently, Israel identifies 82 individuals as captives in Gaza, with approximately 30 declared dead in absentia.

Throughout the conflict ignited by the Hamas attack, Israel has targeted and eliminated key Hamas leaders, as well as figures from Lebanon’s Hezbollah, delivering significant blows to Iran’s network of proxies in the region. The downfall of Iran-aligned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has also been seen as a strategic advantage for Israel.