February 1, 2025
There were sighs of relief in Israel and Thailand yesterday as eight hostages, including three Israelis and five Thai nationals, were released from Hamas captivity in Gaza. The freed hostages are now recovering with their families after enduring weeks of captivity under harsh conditions.
Dramatic Transfers Amidst Tensions
In Khan Younis, Hamas handed over Israeli civilians Arbel Yehoud, 29, and Gadi Mozes, 80, alongside Thai agricultural workers Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Seathao, and Surasak Lamnao to the Red Cross. The chaotic handover was surrounded by an armed crowd chanting and filming, with the ruins of the home of assassinated Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in the background.
In a separate transfer in Jabalia, Israeli soldier Agam Berger, 20, was led through a bombed-out area by masked Hamas fighters in a staged display before being handed over. Israeli officials condemned the manner of these transfers, calling them a humiliation of the hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the spectacle “shocking” and further proof of Hamas’s “inconceivable brutality.”
The release of 110 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages was delayed until mediators ensured Hamas would prevent similar public displays in future exchanges.
Tears and Reunions in Israel
Across Israel, citizens rejoiced as moving homecoming scenes unfolded. A particularly emotional moment came when Agam Berger reunited with fellow soldiers Naama Levy, Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, and Daniella Gilboa at Rabin Medical Center. A video showed Berger in tears, embracing her friends while clutching an Israeli flag.
On her flight home, Berger held a handwritten sign, declaring:
“I chose a path of faith and I returned through a path of faith. Thank you to all the people of Israel and its heroic IDF soldiers! There’s nobody like you in the world!” Reports suggest that she made efforts to observe Shabbat and kashrut during her captivity.
The family of Arbel Yehoud released a heartfelt statement, saying:
“Our life’s mission to bring Arbel back to us has succeeded, and we are overwhelmed with emotion. Ahead of us lies another journey of family rehabilitation. We are a bereaved family, still aching and missing our Dolev.” They added, “Everyone must be brought home immediately so that we can heal as a society.”
Thailand Celebrates the Safe Return of Hostages
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed joy at the release of the Thai hostages, saying:
“The Thai Government, including everyone here in Thailand, have long been waiting for this very moment.”
According to Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura, Thai officials are set to travel to Israel to assist the freed hostages and facilitate their return home. The Thai Foreign Ministry stated that all remaining Thai hostages could be back in their home country within 10 days and that medical assessments indicate they are in reasonable health.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog met with Thailand’s Ambassador to Israel, Pannabha Chandraramya, to mark the hostages’ release, praising the Thai workers’ contributions to Israeli communities and wishing them a smooth rehabilitation process.
Harsh Conditions in Captivity Revealed
As the freed hostages begin to share their experiences, disturbing details about their treatment in Gaza are emerging. Reports from Channel 12 indicate that Israeli captives were forced to cook and clean for their captors but were denied the food they prepared. They were allowed to bathe only once every two weeks. Hostages were punished for showing emotion and forbidden from comforting one another. Some were subjected to food deprivation and forced to stand for long periods as punishment.
Israeli news reports also revealed that Agam Berger and Liri Albag refused to go underground into Hamas tunnels despite their captors’ attempts to force them. Meanwhile, Gadi Mozes only learned upon his release that his partner had been killed on October 7.
Hope for More Releases
While the release of these eight hostages brings relief, many remain in captivity. Families continue to pressure leaders for their loved ones’ safe return. The Israeli government, in coordination with international mediators, is working to secure further exchanges in the coming days.
The latest releases serve as a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need to bring all remaining hostages home.