On January 29, 2025, Israel announced the release of eight hostages held in Gaza, part of a fragile ceasefire agreement aimed at ending 15 months of conflict with Hamas. The Israeli Prime Minister's office confirmed that the hostages, which include three Israelis and five Thais, will be freed on January 30, with an additional three hostages set for release on February 1.
The ceasefire, which began on January 19, includes provisions for the exchange of 33 hostages for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. To date, seven Israeli hostages have been released in exchange for 290 Palestinian prisoners.
Israeli officials denied claims made by Hamas leaders that Israel was delaying humanitarian aid to Gaza, which is part of the ceasefire agreement. The release of hostages remains a critical issue, with ongoing negotiations between both parties.
Among those set for release on January 30 are two Israeli women, Agam Berger, 20, and Arbel Yehud, 29, along with Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old German-Israeli. A video released by the Islamic Jihad group, an ally of Hamas, shows Arbel Yehud visibly distressed, appealing for assistance in securing the release of remaining hostages.