Hamas has begun releasing another group of hostages as part of the ongoing prisoner exchange with Israel, marking the third swap under the current ceasefire agreement.
Among those freed is 20-year-old Israeli soldier Agam Berger, who had been held captive for 482 days.
Berger was the first to appear at the handover point in Gaza on Thursday morning, where she was seen holding a document while surrounded by armed Hamas members before being transferred to the Red Cross.
The humanitarian organisation, following its standard procedures, signed the necessary paperwork before escorting her to safety.
Alongside Berger, Hamas is also releasing Arbel Yehud, 29, and Gadi Mozes, 80, as well as five Thai nationals. In exchange, Israel is set to release 110 Palestinian prisoners.
The hostages are being transferred through designated handover points in Gaza, with some being released in Khan Younis in the south and others in Jabalia in the north.
Following her release, Berger crossed into Israeli territory at approximately 9am UK time. She was immediately taken to a military facility for initial medical and psychological evaluations before being reunited with her family. Her parents, Shlomi and Merav Berger, were waiting at a military centre near Re’im.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed her return, noting that she was being accompanied by special forces and intelligence personnel.
The Hostage Families Forum also released a message from her family, expressing gratitude and relief while emphasising that the recovery process will not be complete until all hostages are brought home.
“Our daughter is strong, brave and full of faith.
“Now we and Agam can begin the process of recovery, but recovery won’t be complete until all of the hostages return home,” the statement read.
Back in Israel, her release was met with emotional celebrations. Family and friends cheered as they watched live broadcasts of her return, holding signs and wearing T-shirts bearing her image.
