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Eight hostages released from Gaza
01:49 – Source: CNN
• Eight hostages – three Israeli and five Thai nationals – were released from captivity in Gaza on Thursday.
• Israeli authorities initially delayed the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners after what they said were unacceptable, chaotic scenes at the hostage handover in southern Gaza, before continuing with their release later Thursday.
• Israeli soldier Agam Berger was the first to be released by Hamas. Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Mozes were later released in Khan Younis amid chaotic scenes, along with five Thai nationals.
• In phase one – the current phase – of the ceasefire and hostage release deal, a total of 33 Israeli hostages taken captive by Hamas and other armed groups in the October 7 attacks are supposed to be freed. Israel is expected to release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in turn.
• Two rounds of releases have already taken place. Eight of the remaining Israeli hostages set to be released are dead, according to the Israeli government.
Our live coverage of the hostage and prisoner releases has concluded for today. Follow the latest updates or read through the posts below.
The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has said the “security” of future hostage releases in Gaza “must be assured,” after the Israeli prime minister condemned what he described as “shocking sights” during the release of seven captives on Thursday.
The ICRC’s Mirjana Spoljaric demanded “improvements in the future” after footage showed two Israeli hostages and five Thai hostages shuffling through a huge crowd of people as they were escorted by armed militants in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. An eighth captive was released separately, earlier in the day.
The ICRC has facilitated multiple rounds of hostage releases in Gaza – including those on Thursday – since January 19, when the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas came into effect.
“We are relieved that more people have been safely returned home,” Spoljaric said. “However, today’s conditions underscore the importance of all parties upholding their agreements and ensuring operations take place in a safe and dignified manner. The security of these operations must be assured, and we urge for improvements in the future.”
The ICRC “emphasizes to the parties the importance of ensuring the safety of all those involved, particularly those being released,” according to the statement.
The NGO does not control the time of the release, the place, or the surrounding environment, the statement said, adding that the “details and logistics” are decided by the parties themselves.
“Throughout the release process, the ICRC’s focus is on ensuring the safe and secure transfers of those in its care,” the statement said.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned against putting Israeli hostages at risk following chaotic scenes during the handover in Gaza on Thursday.
“During the release of our hostages today, we all saw shocking sights. We made it clear to the mediators that we are not willing to accept any risk to our hostages,” Netanyahu said in a statement released by his office Thursday.
“We will not accept violations of the agreement,” he added.
Israeli authorities initially delayed the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners after video footage showed some of the hostages shuffling through a huge crowd of people, escorted by armed Palestinian militants, during their release in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.
Israeli authorities eventually released more than 100 Palestinian prisoners early evening local time.
Israel’s former defense minister has said he is “so glad” that three Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas were released from Gaza on Thursday, as part of a ceasefire and hostage release deal between both parties.
“Our hearts fill with joy at the sight of families reuniting with their loved ones,” Yoav Gallant posted on X.
“There is no greater mitzvah (divine commandment) than redeeming captives,” he added, quoting the 12th century Jewish philosopher known as Rabbi Maimonides.
“I pray for the return of all the hostages and embrace the families who await the return of their loved ones,” said Gallant.
Gallant served as defense minister until November 5, when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired him after months of clashes over domestic politics and Israel’s war in Gaza.
Eight hostages – three Israeli and five Thai nationals – were released from captivity in different parts of Gaza on Thursday.
In total, 33 Israeli hostages taken captive by Hamas and other armed groups in the October 7 attacks are supposed to be released in the first phase of the agreement, which began on January 19. Israel is also supposed to release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
CNN’s Max Saltman contributed reporting.
Israel has released 110 Palestinian prisoners as part of the ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas.
All released prisoners were “transferred from several detention facilities across the country to be absorbed in the Ofer and Ketziot prisons” before being freed, the Israel Prison Service said in a statement Thursday.
Eight hostages taken by Hamas and other armed groups in the October 7, 2023 attacks were also released in Gaza on Thursday.
Hamas has confirmed the death of military chief Mohammed Deif in an Israeli strike in July – believed to be one of the key architects of the October 7 attacks into southern Israel.
The spokesperson for Hamas’ military wing, Abu Obaida, described Deif a “great martyr of the nation,” in a statement on Thursday. He also confirmed the deaths of four other military leaders.
Last summer, the Israeli military said it killed Deif in a strike that hit an Israeli-designated humanitarian zone in Khan Younis, on July 13. The attack killed at least 90 Palestinians, including women and children, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. Footage of the aftermath showed charred cars, thick layers of ash and burned trees.
Deif, Hamas’ military chief, is understood to be one of the key planners of the October 7 attacks. He led the Palestinian militant group’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, for more than two decades. His death makes him one of the highest-ranking Hamas military officials to have been killed in Gaza in more than 15 months of fighting.
In May, the International Criminal Court said it was seeking arrest warrants for Deif and other senior Hamas figures, saying they had “reasonable grounds” to believe they bore responsibility for the October 7 attacks, which saw around 1,200 Israelis killed.
Israel’s military response in Gaza has killed at least 47,460 Palestinians and injured another 111,580 people, according to the health ministry.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has expressed “deep joy” after two German-Israeli hostages were released Thursday.
Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Mozes, who are joint German-Israeli citizens, were among eight hostages released by Hamas in Gaza. Both were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross in chaotic scenes in the Gazan city of Khan Younis.
Steinmeier said: “We can hardly empathize with what Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Mozes have gone through. Some of their relatives and friends were murdered. Many people are still being held hostage by Hamas.”
Large crowds of jubilant people have gathered at the Ramallah Recreational Complex, where some of the released Palestinian prisoners are being brought by the Red Cross.
There are hundreds of people at the center, celebrating and eagerly anticipating the return of their loved ones.
Many of those gathered there have been chanting in support of Hamas’ military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades. A smaller crowd of Fatah supporters has gathered on a hill overlooking the centre.
Crowds of people gathered in Beitunia near the Ofer prison in the occupied West Bank to witness the release of Palestinian prisoners on Thursday.
When the release was delayed by the Israeli government, sporadic clashes erupted in the area, with Palestinian youth throwing stones and blocking the main road in Beitunia with garbage dumpsters and burning tires, and Israeli forces responding with stun grenades, rubber bullets and tear gas.
The Palestinian Red Crescent said it had treated 14 patients injured in clashes in Beitunia, near the prison.
Three had injuries caused by live bullets, three were hurt by rubber bullets and eight were treated for tear gas exposure, the group said.
Zakaria al-Zubeidi, a high-profile Palestinian prisoner, is among the detainees released by Israel on Thursday. CNN saw Zubeidi on a bus carrying the released detainees from Israel’s Ofer prison in the occupied West Bank.
Zubeidi is one of the best known leaders of the Palestinian uprising of 2000, known as the Second Intifada. He was the commander of the Jenin branch of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the militant wing of the Palestinian political party Fatah.
Zubeidi was on Israel’s list of most wanted people for years. He was arrested in 2019. In 2021, he escaped from Gilboa prison, which lies between the Sea of Galilee in Israel and the West Bank town of Jenin, along with five other Palestinian prisoners. He was recaptured several days later.
Israel has begun freeing Palestinian prisoners slated for release earlier on Thursday.
The release of more than 100 Palestinian prisoners had been delayed by the Israeli government after chaotic scenes surrounding the release of two Israeli hostages and five Thai citizens in Gaza earlier in the day.
CNN witnessed prisoners being taken on buses operated by the Red Cross.
All eight of the hostages released from Gaza on Thursday have now been transferred to hospitals where they will be treated, Israeli health authorities said.
Agam Berger, the first hostage to be released on Thursday, was transferred to the Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva, where the four female soldiers released from captivity last Saturday are also being treated.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said earlier an initial medical exam showed she was in good health.
Meanwhile, Arbel Yehoud has arrived at the Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan.
Gad Moshe Mozes was transferred to the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. The hospital said that he underwent an initial examination to assess his condition and plan his further medical care.
The five Thai citizens who were released from captivity in Gaza have arrived at the Shamir Medical Center near Rishon Lezion in central Israel, the hospital said in a statement.
The five freed Thai hostages have arrived at the Shamir Medical Center near Rishon Lezion in central Israel.
The five men – Pongsak Thanna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Saethao and Surasak Lamnao – underwent an initial medical examination to determine the treatment each will require, the hospital’s spokesperson said in a statement.
Liad Avial, the hospital spokesperson, said that a further statement will be released at a later stage.
The Israeli military said earlier that the five freed Thai hostages were being accompanied by Thai government representatives at the hospital.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar told his Thai counterpart Maris Sangiampongsa earlier on Thursday that the group received an initial medical exam “which determined they are in good condition.”
The Israeli military says that Gadi Mozes, the 80-year-old Israeli hostage released Thursday, and the five freed Thai citizens are now on their way in helicopters to hospitals.
“Gadi will meet with his family at the hospital and receive medical treatment,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.
“The five returning Thai citizens will receive medical treatment and will be accompanied by Thai government representatives at the hospital,” the IDF added.
The IDF said that Arbel Yehoud, the other Israel hostage freed in Khan Younis in southern Gaza Thursday, is expected to leave for the hospital soon with her family.
Another hostage, Agam Berger, was released earlier on Thursday.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office (PMO) has confirmed that the release of Palestinian prisoners will proceed later Thursday.
The PMO’s announcement comes after Israel first ordered a delay in the operation, citing chaotic scenes surrounding the hostages handover in Khan Younis.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that mediators have now assured that future hostages will be guaranteed a safe exit.
“Following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s demand, the mediators delivered a commitment that a safe exit will be guaranteed for our hostages who will be released in the next rounds,” the PMO said.
“Israel insists that lessons will be learned and that in the next rounds, there will be extra care in ensuring the safe return of our hostages.”
Clashes broke out in the town of Beitunia in the occupied West Bank on Thursday after the Israeli government said it was delaying the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners scheduled to be released as part of the ongoing ceasefire deal.
Beitunia, just west of Ramallah, is just near Israel’s Ofer Prison, where the prisoners are expected to be released.
CNN saw a group of young Palestinian blocking the main road in Beitunia with garbage dumpsters and burning tires. Some threw stones towards Israeli security forces on the other side of the road.
Israeli forces deployed stunt grenades, tear gas canisters and fired rubber bullets and live ammunition towards the crowd.
CNN has reached out to the Israeli military for comment.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said its crews were treating 12 injured people in Beitunia for injuries, including two people who had been hit by live fire, two people who were injured by rubber bullets and eight people who had come into contact with tear gas.
Abu Omri, who lives in Beitunia, said the situation was not good.
“The Prisoners were about to come out earlier. I have a friend who is going to be released,” he told CNN.
“It is sad and not cool that (Israel is) delaying the release of prisoners and detainees. And it’s also not cool that the Palestinian youth (are) doing this, blocking the roads and throwing stones,” he said.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has since confirmed the prisoners will be released later Thursday.
The Israeli government said it delayed the prisoners’ release because it wanted assurances from Hamas that the hectic scenes surrounding the release of two Israeli hostages and five Thai citizens in southern Gaza earlier on Thursday would not be repeated again.
The release of the Palestinian prisoners due to be freed from Israel as part of the hostage agreement will go ahead later Thursday, an Egyptian official has told CNN, after Israel initially delayed the operation.
The Egyptian official said that it would happen at 5 p.m. local time (10 a.m. ET).
Egypt was a mediator in the ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.
The release of more than 100 Palestinian prisoners had been delayed by the Israeli government after hectic scenes surrounding the release of two Israeli hostages and five Thai citizens in Gaza earlier Thursday. The seven hostages were surrounded by large crowds as they were walked to Red Cross vehicles.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Defense Minister Israel Katz, ordered “the delay in the release of the terrorists scheduled to be released today – until the safe exit of our hostages is guaranteed in the next few days,” the prime minister’s spokesperson, Omer Dostri, said in a statement. “Israel is demanding that the mediators to accomplish this.”
As attention focused on Thursday’s hostages and prisoners release, Israel’s ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) came into effect.
Iman Helles, a displaced mother sheltering in a facility run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in Gaza, fears that she will now be “thrown out to the streets” with her three children.
Helles relies almost fully on UNRWA to support her family in the devastated enclave.
After their home in Gaza City’s eastern Shejaiya district was destroyed during the war, they were forced to move into a former girls’ elementary school that now serves as a shelter run by UNWRA in central Gaza’s Deir al-Balah.
Helles is among millions of Palestinians relying on the UN agency for sustenance, education and livelihoods, not only in Gaza but also across the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said on Tuesday that its implementation will be “disastrous.”
“The government of Israel claims that UNRWA’s services can be transferred to other entities,” Lazzarini said, adding that his agency is unique in its mandate “to provide public-like services,” which “can only be transferred to a functioning state.”
Read the full story below.
The five Thai nationals freed from captivity by Hamas in Gaza earlier on Thursday are in good condition, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar told his Thai counterpart after their release.
The group received an initial medical exam “which determined they are in good condition,” according to an Israeli Foreign Ministry readout of Sa’ar’s call with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.
They were then transferred by helicopter to a hospital, Sa’ar told Sangiampongsa.
“Minister Sa’ar thanked the Thai Foreign Minister for their cooperation and the dialogue with the mediators, which contributed to the release of the foreign hostages,” the Foreign Ministry’s statement added.
Sangiampongsa is due for a visit in Israel next week, where he will meet with Sa’ar, according to the readout.
Israel said it is delaying the release of more than 100 Palestinian prisoners in response to what the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called “horrific scenes” at one of the hostage handovers in Gaza today.
Israel was expected to release 110 Palestinian prisoners on Thursday as part of the ongoing Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, have ordered the delay in the release of the terrorists scheduled to be released today – until the safe exit of our hostages is guaranteed in the next few days,” the prime minister’s spokesperson, Omer Dostri, said in a statement.
Dostri said Israel demands that the mediators of the ceasefire deal secure that assurance.
Seven of the eight hostages were released in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza. Video from the scene showed the hostages shuffled through a huge crowd of people, flanked by armed militants from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the scenes as “shocking.”
“This is additional proof of the inconceivable brutality of the Hamas terrorist organization,” he said in a statement. “I demand that the mediators make certain that such terrible scenes do not recur, and guarantee the safety of our hostages.”
Israeli soldier Agam Berger was released in northern Gaza by Hamas earlier on Thursday morning in a markedly quieter scene.
The Hamas Prisoner Media Office said it expected the 110 released on Thursday to include 30 children, 32 prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment and 48 prisoners with high sentences.