Hamas freed eight hostages in a chaotic ceasefire exchange, prompting Israel to halt a planned prisoner release. The truce terms and future negotiations remain uncertain.
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Hamas Releases 8 Hostages, Israel Suspends Prisoner Exchange
Hamas released eight hostages on Thursday as part of an ongoing ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. However, the chaotic handover, where armed militants paraded captives through an unruly crowd, led Israel to pause the planned release of 110 Palestinian prisoners. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the exchange would be delayed until all hostages could be safely returned.
Under the ceasefire terms, Hamas is expected to release 33 Israeli hostages—approximately one-third of those still in captivity—in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, Israel has agreed to withdraw its forces from key areas, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their homes in Gaza.
Chaotic Handover Sparks Outrage in Israel
The released hostages included:
- Agam Berger (20) – an Israeli soldier
- An 80-year-old Israeli man
- A 29-year-old Israeli woman
- Five Thai laborers who were captured while working in southern Israel
Berger was seen being led through the devastated Jabaliya refugee camp before her release. Later, a more chaotic scene unfolded in Khan Younis, where masked Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants arrived with a convoy, attracting thousands of spectators. Arbel Yehoud, one of the freed hostages, was visibly shaken as she was hastily escorted through the crowd before being handed over to the Red Cross.
The incident was broadcast live, with friends and families in southern Israel watching in shock. Netanyahu condemned the “shocking scenes” and urged international mediators to ensure the safety of hostages in future exchanges.
Israel Freezes Palestinian Prisoner Release
Israel had planned to release 110 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis. However, after the disorganized hostage handover, Netanyahu stated that no further releases would take place until all Israeli captives were freed safely.
Among those set for release from Israeli prisons was Zakaria Zubeidi, a former militant leader and theater director who previously escaped from prison in 2021 before being rearrested.
The United States, Egypt, and Qatar—who brokered the ceasefire following a year of negotiations—intervened to secure the release of Yehoud after delays on Thursday. Another three Israeli hostages are expected to be freed on Saturday, alongside additional Palestinian prisoners.
Palestinians Return to a Devastated Gaza
As part of the ceasefire agreement, Israel has begun allowing displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza. However, many are finding their homes reduced to rubble.
Hamas has so far confirmed that eight Israeli hostages initially set for release are already deceased. Meanwhile, Palestinians have widely celebrated the prisoner exchanges, viewing them as a victory in their struggle against Israeli occupation.
Future of the Ceasefire and War Prospects
The ceasefire deal includes provisions for a second phase, where Hamas would release the remaining hostages, extending the truce indefinitely. However, if no agreement is reached, fighting could resume as early as March.
While Israel has pulled back most of its forces, it remains committed to dismantling Hamas. In response, Hamas has quickly reasserted control over Gaza, further complicating negotiations. Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners are already calling for the war to resume, while Hamas insists that no more hostages will be released unless Israel fully withdraws from Gaza and ends military operations.
The War’s Devastating Toll
The conflict began on October 7, when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and capturing around 250 hostages. In retaliation, Israel launched a large-scale military offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in over 47,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel claims to have eliminated more than 17,000 Hamas fighters, though it has not provided evidence.
Gaza has been devastated, with 90% of its population displaced and entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. With both sides remaining steadfast in their positions, the fate of the ceasefire—and the remaining hostages—remains uncertain.
