Release of Three Israeli Hostages and Five Thais in Exchange for 110 Palestinian Prisoners

As the ceasefire in Gaza continues and hostages are exchanged for prisoners, Israeli officials announced that three hostages from Israel and five Thai nationals will be exchanged for 110 Palestinian prisoners on Thursday, February 11. The three Israeli hostages are Agam Berger, a 20-year-old Israeli soldier, Arbel Yehud, a 29-year-old, and Gadi Moshe Moses, an 80-year-old. According to the Times of Israel, the names of these three Israelis were provided to Israel by Hamas through mediation by Egypt and Qatar, and their families were informed of their imminent release. Israel also confirmed that five Thai hostages will be released, but their names have not been disclosed. Currently, eight Thai nationals, one Nepali, and one Tanzanian remain hostage in Gaza. However, Israel has declared two Thai citizens and the Tanzanian hostage as deceased. It is reported that all hostages released on Thursday may not be freed simultaneously or at the same location, as 'Berger' is held by Hamas, while 'Yehud' and 'Moses' are held by the 'Islamic Jihad' group. The addition of this group of hostages to the Thursday release list, in addition to three other hostages expected to be released on Saturday, followed the resolution of a dispute regarding the non-release of 'Yehud' in the previous group. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, February 10, Israel requested Hamas to clarify the status of 'Shiri Bibas' and her two young sons, 'Ariel' and 'Kafir'. The Israeli army had previously expressed serious concerns about the fate of 'Shiri' and her children. According to the terms of the ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement, Hamas was supposed to first release living civilian women and children, then female soldiers, elderly men, and the sick. These hostages were among 251 Israelis and foreign nationals kidnapped during an attack by approximately 3,000 Hamas militants supported by the Islamic Republic on October 7, 2023. In this attack, about 1,200 people were killed, and widespread violence against civilians occurred. In exchange for the release of these three hostages on Thursday, Israel will release 110 Palestinian security prisoners; 30 prisoners for each civilian and 50 prisoners for the release of 'Berger', which includes 30 individuals sentenced to life imprisonment. Among the 30 prisoners to be released in exchange for 'Moses', three also have life sentences. The name of the third hostage to be released tomorrow is expected to be announced today. Reports indicate that Arbel Yehud confirmed he is a hostage of 'Islamic Jihad'. The return of 300,000 Palestinians to northern Gaza has been authorized by Israel. Qatar announced the agreement for the release of three Hamas hostages and the return of refugees to northern Gaza.