Hamas to Free Three Israeli Hostages and Five Thai Captives in Latest Exchange

Hamas is set to release three Israeli hostages and five Thai captives on Thursday as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. This exchange marks the third since the truce took effect earlier this month, following a deadly and destructive conflict between Israel and Hamas that began with an attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

The Israeli hostages to be freed include Arbel Yehoud, 29, Agam Berger, 20, and Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old man. The Thai nationals being released have not been identified yet, but a number of foreign workers were among the hostages taken during Hamas’ October attack. This exchange will also see the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners, 30 of whom are serving life sentences for deadly attacks against Israelis. Among them is Zakaria Zubeidi, a former militant leader and theater director who was involved in a dramatic jailbreak in 2021.