Hamas has released three Israeli hostages and five Thai captives, prompting Israel to respond with the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners. This exchange marks another significant moment amid the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas, compounded by previous releases as part of the ceasefire agreement.
The release unfolded chaotically on Thursday, January 30, 2025, as Agam Berger, 20, was the first to be freed. She emerged from the rubble of the Jabalia refugee camp, which has withstood extensive bombing from Israeli forces during the past 15 months of conflict. Moments later, she was handed over to the Red Cross. Two additional Israeli captives were released: Arbel Yehud, 29, and Gadi Moshe Mozes, 80, alongside five Thai workers who had been abducted during the initial Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The scene of the handover was described as tense and crowded, with armed fighters lining the streets of Khan Younis, where Yehud was passed to the Red Cross amid throngs of onlookers. Reporting from Al Jazeera, Tareq Abu Azzoum noted, "Dozens of fighters from both Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad are lined up... as they prepare for the arrival of the Israeli captives along with the Red Cross.”
Criticism emerged shortly after these developments. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s former national security minister, expressed dissatisfaction with the exchange's chaotic nature, stating, “We are happy and excited about the return of our beloved Agam, Arbel, and Gadi, but the horrific images from Gaza make it clear: This is not a complete victory – this is a complete failure, in a reckless deal like no other.”
Later, buses delivered the 110 Palestinian prisoners from the Ofer prison to Ramallah, where they were greeted by crowds of supporters. Zakaria Zubaidi, one of the most notable freed prisoners and leader of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, was present among them. The transport was marred by unrest, as at least 14 Palestinians reportedly suffered injuries due to Israeli gunfire during the gathered crowds.
This prisoner exchange is part of the phased agreements established after the ceasefire began on January 19, 2025, which hinges on the back-and-forth release of hostages and prisoners between the warring parties. Prior to this release, four female Israeli soldiers were freed, concurrently with the release of 200 Palestinians from Israeli jails. Despite the exchanges, approximately 82 Israeli hostages remain unaccounted for by Hamas.
The emotional toll on families of captives has been substantial. Agam Berger’s family articulated their relief upon her release, stating, “Thank God we have reached this moment. Our hero, Agam, has returned to us after 482 days in enemy hands.” Her parents expressed gratitude to the security forces and the people of Israel and emphasized the need for all hostages to return home to achieve complete healing.
On the Thai side, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra celebrated the release of the five Thai captives who were held for over a year. Her social media post expressed elation at the news and appreciation for the efforts of various nations—including Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, and the United States—to facilitate their return. A total of 31 Thai nationals were captured during the October 7 attack, and of those, 23 have been released, with the Thai government calling for the swift release of any remaining hostages.
“Thailand calls for the release of all the remaining hostages including a Thai national soonest, so they can safely return to their homeland and to their beloved families,” said Thailand’s Foreign Ministry.
This latest ceasefire and the exchange of prisoners come at a time when the region grapples with persistent tensions stemming from the protracted conflict. The latest exchanges may raise hopes for continued negotiations and provide temporary relief to families of those still held captive, but the atmosphere remains charged as both sides navigate the complex realities of war and diplomacy.
While celebrations marked the return of Israeli and Thai captives, the broader dynamics of the conflict demonstrate the fragility of peace and the challenges of reconciling divergent narratives. Many hope this latest exchange can be the impetus for future discussions aimed at resolving the longstanding hostilities.