Hamas releases three more hostages under ceasefire deal

Ankara - Palestinian resistance group Hamas released three Israeli hostages in Gaza on Thursday (30/1) as part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel.

According to Anadolu, an Israeli female soldier, Agam Berger, was handed over to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross in the Al-Razan area of ​​Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza.

Two other hostages, Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes, were also freed and handed over to the Red Cross in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis.

In addition, five Thai workers were also freed in the handover process that took place outside the ruins of the house of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

The Israeli military confirmed that the Red Cross had informed them of the surrender of Yehud, Mozes and the five Thais.

Previously, the Israeli military also confirmed that Berger had been released and taken to Israel for a medical examination.

During Berger's handover, a Red Cross representative was brought on stage to sign the soldier's discharge protocol.

The first phase of a six-week ceasefire came into effect on January 19, halting Israeli attacks that have killed more than 47,400 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured more than 111,000 people since October 7, 2023.

Since the deal came into effect, 10 Israeli hostages have been released in exchange for 290 Palestinian prisoners.

On Thursday, some 110 Palestinian prisoners are scheduled to be released from Israeli jails.

Under the first phase of the deal, 33 Israeli hostages would be released in exchange for between 1,700 and 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

The Israeli offensive on Gaza has left more than 11,000 people missing, as well as causing massive destruction and a humanitarian crisis that has killed many elderly and children, making it one of the worst humanitarian disasters in history.

In November last year, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli defense chief Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel is also facing a genocide lawsuit at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its war in the region.