Gaza ceasefire: Hamas set to release eight hostages, including five Thai nationals

Hamas has confirmed it will release eight hostages, including three Israelis and five Thai nationals, in its next scheduled exchange on Thursday.

The hostages include two Israeli women and an elderly man, alongside the five Thais, whose identities have not been disclosed by Israeli officials.

This release is part of a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which has paused hostilities in Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel. This ongoing negotiation for hostages has remained a key focus of international diplomacy in the region.

An Israeli official confirmed the identities of the three Israeli hostages as Arbel Yehoud (29), Agam Berger (19), and Gadi Mozes (80). Their families have approved the publication of their names. However, the names of the Thai nationals involved in the exchange were not made public.

The ceasefire deal was initiated in phases, with 33 hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attack - which killed over 1,200 people and saw around 250 hostages captured - being a significant part of the negotiations. So far, seven hostages have been released in two exchanges, bringing the total number of hostages freed under the current ceasefire to 124.

In return for the hostages, Israel has released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including some serving life sentences for deadly attacks. The ceasefire has led to the return of many hostages and the release of several prisoners on both sides of the conflict.

While the situation in Gaza remains tense, with over 47,000 Palestinian deaths reported by Gaza health authorities, the temporary truce has offered a brief window for both sides to carry out these exchanges.

As the ceasefire continues, displaced Palestinians are attempting to return to their homes in Gaza, with many moving north.