Hamas To Free Three Israeli And Five Thai Hostages, Say Israeli Sources

Israel has received a list of hostages expected to be freed from Hamas captivity in Gaza on Thursday. The list includes three Israelis and five Thai nationals, Israeli sources reported.

The Palestinian armed group handed over the list to mediators ahead of the scheduled release, which will be the third batch of hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed receiving the list.

Among those set to be freed are Arbel Yehud, 29, Agam Berger, 19, and Gadi Mozes, 80. Israel’s state-owned Kan TV also reported that five Thai nationals, kidnapped during the October 7, 2023 attack, would be released.

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While Netanyahu’s office did not comment on the Thai hostages, Israeli officials confirmed that ten foreign nationals remain in Hamas captivity, including eight Thais, a Nepali, and a Tanzanian. At least three of them are presumed dead.

This release is separate from the ceasefire agreement that took effect on January 19. The ceasefire ended over 15 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, a dispute arose after Hamas released four female soldiers on Saturday, which Israel claimed violated the deal. The issue was later resolved through Qatari mediation.

As part of the agreement, Hamas will release Yehud, Berger, and another hostage on Thursday, with three more Israeli captives expected to be freed on Saturday. In return, Israel allowed displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza on Monday.