As part of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, Israel is releasing 110 Palestinian prisoners, while Hamas, the armed political group controlling the Gaza Strip, is releasing three Israeli and five Thai hostages in exchange. These releases are set to occur today, Thursday.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, disclosed the names of the three Israeli hostages awaiting release: Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger, and Gadi Moshe Moses.
The statement also outlined details about the 110 Palestinian prisoners set to be released. Among them are 32 serving life sentences, 48 serving long-term sentences, and 30 minors.
Meanwhile, citing the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, the country’s Army Radio reported the same information on Wednesday. It added that the names of the Israeli hostages to be freed had been sent to the Prime Minister’s Office.
In 2023, Hamas fighters carried out an unprecedented attack on Israeli territory, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. In response, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched operations in Gaza to rescue the hostages and retaliate for the attack. These operations resulted in the deaths of over 47,400 Palestinians and injuries to more than 111,000, most of whom were women and children.
Following 15 months of intense conflict, Israel and Hamas, under pressure from the United States, other mediators, and the international community, agreed to a ceasefire in mid-January. According to the terms of this agreement, over the next six weeks, Hamas will release the remaining hostages in its custody in exchange for Israel freeing between 1,700 and 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
The ceasefire has been in effect since January 19. Since then, Hamas has released seven hostages, while Israel has freed 290 Palestinian prisoners.