Armed fighters stand around Arbel Yehoud, who had been held hostage in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attack. On January 30, 2025, they handed her over to Red Cross officials in Khan Younis as part of a ceasefire agreement and a hostage-prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel. REUTERS
Hamas released three Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals on Thursday, while Israel freed 110 Palestinian prisoners. The exchange was briefly delayed after Israeli officials reacted angrily to chaotic scenes at the handover site in Gaza, where large crowds surrounded a released hostage.
Arbel Yehoud, a 29-year-old abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, looked distressed as armed militants escorted her through a throng of people in Khan Younis before handing her over to the Red Cross. Another Israeli hostage, 80-year-old Gadi Moses, was also released, along with five Thai workers who had been kidnapped while working on farms near Gaza.
The chaotic nature of the exchange drew a strong response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who warned that anyone harming hostages would be killed. Along with Defense Minister Israel Katz, he ordered a temporary halt to the release of Palestinian prisoners until future handovers could be conducted safely. Mediators later assured Israel that upcoming exchanges would be more controlled.
Later that evening, buses carrying Palestinian detainees arrived in Ramallah, where they were met by cheering crowds. Among them was Zakaria Zubaidi, a high-profile leader of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. Zubaidi, known as the "dragon" in his hometown of Jenin, had previously escaped prison in 2021 before being recaptured. Speaking to the gathered crowd, he expressed gratitude for his release and honored the "martyrs of Gaza."
As celebrations continued in the West Bank, tensions escalated. Clashes broke out at the entrance to Ramallah, with Palestinian health officials reporting at least 14 injuries from Israeli fire. Video footage showed Palestinians throwing stones before running as Israeli forces responded with live rounds, rubber bullets, and tear gas.
Meanwhile, some released prisoners were sent to Gaza or deported to Egypt, while those from East Jerusalem were allowed to return home. In Jabalia, northern Gaza, an Israeli soldier, Agam Berger, was handed over to the Red Cross after being led through a war-ravaged alley surrounded by collapsed buildings.
Agam’s family released a statement calling her “strong, faithful, and brave.” Footage later showed her sitting on her mother’s lap, crying and smiling. Another video captured 80-year-old Moses walking unassisted as he reunited with his family. A doctor confirmed he was in good condition but would continue to be monitored.
Netanyahu has faced criticism for not securing an earlier hostage deal following the October 7 attack by Hamas, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and more than 250 hostages taken. The war has since devastated Gaza, with over 47,000 Palestinians killed and severe shortages of basic necessities.
While Hamas has suffered heavy losses, the group remains active in Gaza. Israel recently confirmed the killing of Mohammed Deif, the mastermind behind the October 7 attack. Despite the conflict’s toll, Hamas vowed to continue resisting Israeli military action.
