KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — The tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took center stage on Thursday as both sides engaged in dramatic exchanges: Hamas released eight hostages, comprising three Israelis and five Thai nationals, amid chaotic scenes, and Israel, after some delay, began to release 110 Palestinian prisoners.
The releases come after weeks of negotiation and marks the latest phase of hostilities stemming from the deadly October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel, which killed around 1,200 people, primarily civilians. The subsequent Israeli military response decimated parts of Gaza, resulting in over 47,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
The first hostage released on Thursday morning was Agam Berger, 20, who was conveyed through the ruins of northern Gaza to Red Cross officials. Later, another seven hostages were handed over to the Red Cross in the southern city of Khan Younis, where the chaotic atmosphere highlighted the fragility of the ceasefire.
Desperate families and supporters mobbed the area, crowding around vehicles carrying the freed hostages, and turning the handover events near the bombed-out home of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, where jubilant celebrations clashed with the heightened security presence of Israeli forces. Berger's family expressed elation at her return, describing her as "strong, faithful, and brave." They stated, “Thank God we have reached this moment, and our hero Agam has returned to us after 482 days in enemy hands.”
Those released included also Arbel Yehud, 29, and 80-year-old Gadi Moses, who looked stunned as he was escorted by Israeli military forces to reunite with waiting family members. Video footage celebrated the emotional reunification, with relatives embracing the elderly man, showcasing both relief and grief, particularly as many families still mourn loved ones yet to be recovered.
The release of hostages was mirrored by Israel's action to free 110 Palestinian prisoners, which had initially been delayed due to security concerns about how the Egyptian and Palestinian mediators handled the release process. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the scenes as "shocking," pushing for mediators to guarantee the safe exchange of additional hostages. The prime minister later received commitments from these mediators to improve the circumstances surrounding future releases.
Among the Palestinian prisoners being freed is Zakaria Zubeidi, former militant leader turned theater director, who escaped prison dramatically before being rearrested. His release has been met with jubilation from many Palestinians, who view the prisoners as heroes fighting against Israeli occupation. Over the course of the current ceasefire, around 290 prisoners have been freed, with the released prisoners celebrated by crowds throughout the West Bank.
The exchanges have drawn sharp reactions from various factions, with Palestinian supporters celebrating the return of their loved ones. Meanwhile, Israeli officials have urged caution against excessive jubilation among Palestinians, with reports of clashes occurring as mourners sought to rejoice.
Eyewitness accounts described scenes overflowing with emotion, with crowds frequently thronging around buses carrying freed detainees. Ziha Khalil, who welcomed home one of the released prisoners, reflected, “We sacrifice our souls and blood for you.”
Yet, the conflict's repercussions remain severe. Many Palestinians returning home are confronted with destruction after more than 15 months of warfare, compounded by humanitarian crises as access to basic supplies dwindles. The question of how many hostages remain is fraught; Israeli authorities say 82 captives are still held by Hamas.
With the ceasefire still holding for now, the next steps involve tense negotiations over the release of remaining hostages and conditions surrounding future exchanges. The ceasefire calls for Hamas to release additional hostages, with reports indicating at least eight have already been confirmed dead.
The return of the hostages and the release of Palestinian prisoners may have provided momentary relief to families, but the shadow of the war looms large. This conflict has reshaped the dynamics of life for millions and signaled the need for sustainable resolutions to marked confrontations between illicit militant action and state-based military responses. The broader geopolitical stakes remain high as both sides navigate through the debris of human tragedy to chart possible paths forward.