Israel and Hamas Agree to Hostage Release as ceasefire Holds
Jakarta – In a significant advancement amid the ongoing conflict, Israel has announced the release of eight hostages from Gaza on Thursday (1/30), marking a critical step in the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The hostages include three Israeli citizens—Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger, and Gadi Moses—and five Thai nationals.The announcement came from the Prime Minister’s Office of Benjamin Netanyahu, which confirmed that Israel had received a list of hostages to be released by Hamas as part of the Gaza ceasefire. “Israel receives a list of hostages that should be released from Hamas prisoners tomorrow,” the office stated on Wednesday,adding that further details would be shared “after the family was told.”
The release of Yehud, in particular, has been a focal point of negotiations. Israeli authorities had demanded his release during the second hostage exchange on Saturday, in exchange for allowing hundreds of thousands of Gazans who fled the conflict to return to their homes in the north. This decision followed a one-minute video released by the Islamic jihad militant group, in which Yehud appeared visibly distressed but confirmed his identity and the date—January 25. In the video, he urged Netanyahu to “do all the power to secure the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza.”
Hamas sources later confirmed that Yehud was “alive and in good health,” prompting israel to permit Gazans to return north on Monday.
Agam Berger, a soldier, was captured while serving on the Gaza border during the Hamas attack on october 7, 2023. Her release, along with that of the other hostages, underscores the fragile yet hopeful progress in the ceasefire agreement.
The ceasefire, which has now entered its second day, has been a long-awaited development in the region. It follows months of deadlock and over 15 months of conflict, as reported by USA TODAY. The deal, brokered with international involvement, includes the release of 33 hostages by Hamas and the freeing of 1,000 Palestinian prisoners by Israel, as detailed by The New York Times.
Below is a summary of key details:
| Key Details | Details |
|——————————-|———————————————————————————|
| Hostages Released | 8 (3 Israelis, 5 Thais) |
| israeli Hostages | Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger, Gadi Moses |
| Ceasefire Agreement | Release of 33 hostages by Hamas, 1,000 Palestinian prisoners by Israel |
| date of Release | Thursday, January 30, 2025 |
| Condition of Yehud | Confirmed “alive and in good health” by Hamas sources |
The ceasefire and hostage release represent a glimmer of hope in a conflict that has devastated the region. As the world watches, the focus remains on ensuring the safe return of all hostages and fostering lasting peace.
For more updates on the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and its implications, follow CNN’s live coverage.
