As part of a developing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, a third wave of hostage releases took place in Gaza on Thursday. Among those freed was 20-year-old Israeli soldier Agam Berger, handed over to the Red Cross in the Jabaliya refugee camp before being transferred to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Two other Israelis, Arbel Yehoud, 29, and 80-year-old Gadi Moses, were also liberated, along with five Thai citizens.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office celebrated Berger's return, assuring the public that she and her family would receive ongoing support. Berger's family expressed immense relief and gratitude, emphasizing their hope for the safe return of all remaining hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly criticized the chaotic nature of the hostage release, demanding guarantees for their safety moving forward.

The ceasefire agreement also stipulated the release of 110 Palestinian security prisoners by Israel. This exchange is a key element in the ongoing efforts to de-escalate the conflict, the most devastating in the history of Israeli-Hamas relations, which began with Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Despite earlier disagreements about the order of releases, the truce has largely held. The release of the hostages was met with jubilation in Israel, particularly in Tel Aviv, where crowds had gathered to follow the events. Berger's release was especially significant, as she was one of five female soldiers captured on October 7th, the others having been released previously.

Five Thai nationals were also among those released, welcomed by Thailand's Ambassador to Israel. Their release highlights the international impact of the conflict, as foreign workers were also taken captive during the initial Hamas attack. While a number of Thai hostages were released in a prior ceasefire, several remain in captivity, with two feared dead.

The Palestinian prisoners released by Israel include individuals serving life sentences for attacks against Israelis, as well as Zakaria Zubeidi, a well-known former militant leader. Yehoud's release, initially expected on Saturday, was delayed, prompting Israel to postpone the opening of crossings into northern Gaza. Mediation efforts led to her release on Thursday. Three more hostages are expected to be freed on Saturday, along with additional Palestinian prisoners.

With Israeli forces withdrawing from most of Gaza, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have begun returning to their devastated homes. The ceasefire agreement outlines a two-phase process, with the initial release of hostages followed by negotiations for the remaining captives and a permanent ceasefire. If an agreement isn't reached by early March, hostilities could resume.

While the ceasefire is a step towards peace, the conflict's devastating impact remains. The death toll is staggering, with a significant number of civilian casualties. The extensive destruction in Gaza poses a monumental rebuilding challenge, with a vast majority of the population displaced.