Israeli hostage Agam Berger handed over to Red Cross by Hamas
Israeli hostage Agam Berger handed over to Red Cross by Hamas
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Israeli hostage Agam Berger has been handed over to the Red Cross by Hamas in the latest stage of a ceasefire deal. Ms Berger, a female Israeli soldier, waved at the crowd from a podium in Jabalia in northern Gaza before being transferred for her journey back to Israel.
The Israeli government later confirmed that Ms Berger was with its forces. She is among three hostages due to be returned by the Palestinian militants on Thursday, with Israel expected to release another 110 Palestinian prisoners in return. Gadi Moses, 80, and Arbel Yahud, 29, were both abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz in Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
An Israeli official told Reuters that the three hostages were expected to be taken to three different hospitals in Israel, though that could change depending on their immediate inspection from doctors upon arrival. Hamas were also due to release five Thai captives, who were among a number of foreign workers taken captive on October 7.
Israelis began to gather in what has become known as Hostages Square, a central square in Tel Aviv, which has become the central location for efforts to campaign on behalf of hostages being held in Gaza. Three Israeli civilians and four soldiers - all women - have been released so far in the ceasefire, which began on January 19.
In return, Israel has released 290 Palestinian convicts and detainees. More than 250 hostages were abducted in the Hamas attack in Israel. In the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas is set to release a total of 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, older adults and sick or wounded men, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
