Ceasefire agreement: After a chaotic withdrawal from Gaza, the eight hostages released by Hamas returned to Israel

Hours after Hamas released hostage Agam Berger (20) on Thursday, this terrorist group, along with Islamic Jihad, also freed Arbel Yehud (29) and Gadi Moses (80), as well as five Thai citizens. All of them, who were among the 482 individuals held in the Gaza Strip, regained their freedom as part of the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel and are now back in Israeli territory.

Berger, an Israeli guard soldier, was forced by Hamas terrorists to stand on a stage in the town of Jabalia, wave and smile, and receive a certificate of release before being handed over to staff from the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The release of the seven remaining hostages took place near the home of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the terrorist group who was eliminated by Israel during the war, in Khan Yunis. As the terrorists escorted the hostages, a crowd gathered around them, shouting and chanting.

The remaining seven hostages were released near the house of Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader eliminated by Israel during the war, in Khan Yunis. As armed militants escorted them, a crowd gathered, shouting and chanting. The hostages appeared visibly uncomfortable and frightened.

Netanyahu celebrated the release of the hostages

The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released images of Berger's emotional reunion with her parents and shared a series of messages celebrating the release of the seven remaining hostages.

Regarding the Thai nationals, the Office stated that the Israeli government is providing support to the five released hostages—Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak—and their families.

In a separate statement, the Israeli government reaffirmed its commitment to securing the return of all hostages and missing persons.

Israel postponed handing over of Palestinian prisoners

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the circumstances of the hostages' release, expressing outrage over the events. "I find the shocking scenes that occurred during the release of our hostages very serious. This is another proof of Hamas' inconceivable cruelty. I call on the mediators to ensure that such terrifying scenes are not repeated and to ensure the safety of our hostages. Whoever dares to harm them will pay the price," he stated on X. 

After the hostages returned to Israel, Netanyahu's office announced the decision to postpone the release of Palestinian prisoners in response to the treatment of the hostages in Gaza.

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, together with Defense Minister Israel Katz, has ordered that the release of the terrorists slated to be released today be delayed until the safe exit of our hostages in the next phases is assured," it said.

"Israel demands that the mediators see to this," it added.

However, an understanding was eventually reached between the Israeli authorities and the mediators, and Jerusalem decided to release the Palestinian prisoners at 5:00 p.m. (local time).

Under the terms of the cease-fire agreement, in exchange for the release of the eight hostages, Israel is required to release 110 Palestinian prisoners. Of these, 30 are convicted murderers serving life sentences, 30 are women and minors, 30 are over 50 years old with up to 15 years remaining on their sentences or are suffering from illnesses, and 20 are serving sentences of up to 15 years, according to Israeli newspaper Ynet.