On October 7, 2023, Agam Berger, a 20-year-old Israeli soldier, was abducted by Palestinian militants. Recently, she was handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) at Jabalya in the northern Gaza Strip, as shown in a video of the handover. The Israel Defense Forces have confirmed the transfer of one hostage to the ICRC.
Berger, who was held by Hamas, is the first of eight hostages scheduled for release on Thursday. She was escorted from a building to a stage before being handed over to the ICRC. Prior to the handover, two Red Cross officials were observed conversing with a masked Hamas fighter.
Meanwhile, two other Israeli hostages, Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Moses, who are held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad, were also set to be released on the same day. A video released by the group depicted the emotional moment when Yehoud and Moses met and embraced.
Additionally, five Thai nationals who were abducted on the same day are also expected to be released. In a reciprocal gesture, Israel is anticipated to release 110 Palestinian prisoners on Thursday.
Following their release, the hostages are scheduled to be transported to various hospitals in Israel for medical evaluation and care.
