Israeli soldier released in Gaza under ceasefire agreement

Thursday 30 January 2025 - 09:01

An Israeli female soldier, Agam Berger, who had been detained in Gaza, was released as part of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas. This release occurred during the third phase of the arrangement and took place on Thursday when Berger emerged from the debris at the Jabalia refugee camp, which had been subjected to consistent Israeli airstrikes since the war began in October 2023.

Berger was the first of eight individuals slated for release that day, including five Thai nationals. The release occurred across various locations in Gaza, with one key site being the former residence of Yahya Sinwar, the ex-political leader of Hamas, located in the southern city of Khan Younis.

In a reciprocal gesture, Israel is expected to release 110 Palestinian detainees from its prisons later on the same day. This follows a previous release on Saturday, when Hamas freed four Israeli female soldiers and 200 Palestinians were let out of Israeli jails, marking a crucial part of the ceasefire agreement that brought an end to over 15 months of conflict.