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Thirty-three hostages are set to be released in the ceasefire's first phase.

Last Updated: February 1, 2025, 1:26 PM EST

Many residents of northern Gaza and southern Lebanon are expected to return to their homes in the coming days and weeks, with most of the fighting in both areas paused under Israeli ceasefire agreements with Hamas and Hezbollah.

Under Israel's multi-phased deal with Hamas, some hostages held in the Gaza Strip and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have started to be released. Negotiations between Israel and Hamas are expected to continue amid the first phase of the deal, which was slated to last about six weeks.

Jan 30, 2025, 5:15 AM EST

IDF confirms Agam Berger is back in Israel and will undergo a medical assessment

The Israel Defense Forces have issued a statement confirming that Agam Berger is now back in Israel and undergoing an "initial medical assessment."

"The returning hostage, IDF Soldier Agam Berger, has arrived at the initial reception point in southern Israel where she is being reunited with her family," the statement said. "IDF officers from the Manpower Directorate and IDF medical officials are accompanying the returning hostage, and she will undergo an initial medical assessment."

IDF representatives are accompanying the rest of her family waiting at the hospital and will be updating them with the latest available information, the IDF confirmed.

Jan 30, 2025, 4:43 AM EST

Agam Berger's family issues statement following her release

The family of Agam Berger has released a statement after she was escorted out of the Gaza Strip by Israeli special forces early Wednesday morning.

"Thank God we have reached this moment, and our hero Agam has returned to us after 482 days in enemy hands," the statement said. "Our daughter is strong, faithful, and brave. We want to thank the security forces and all the people of Israel for their support and prayers. Now Agam and our family can begin the healing process, but the recovery will not be complete until all the hostages return home."

Jan 30, 2025, 3:51 AM EST

Hostage Agam Berger has been handed over to the Red Cross

Agam Berger has been escorted out of the Gaza Strip by Israeli special forces after being handed over to them by the Red Cross.

"The Returning Hostage, IDF Soldier Agam Berger, has Crossed Into Israeli Territory With IDF and ISA Forces," according to a joint IDF and ISA statement issued early Thursday. "A short while ago, accompanied by IDF and ISA forces, the returning hostage, IDF soldier Agam Berger, crossed the border into Israeli territory. The returning hostage is currently on her way to an initial reception point in southern Israel, where she will be reunited with her parents."

Jan 29, 2025, 4:23 PM EST

110 Palestinian prisoners will be released on Thursday

The Israelis will release about 110 Palestinian prisoners Thursday, according to the Prison Media Office.

Within the first phase of the exchange deal, 32 prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment, 48 prisoners with high sentences and 30 child prisoners will be released.

Hamas will release three Israeli hostages as well as five Thai nationals. The Israelis set to be released have been identified as Arbel Yehoud, Agam Berger and Gadi Moses.

This picture shows a portrait poster of Arbel Yehoud, 29, an Israeli hostage held in the Gaza Strip since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Palestinian Hamas militants.
AFP via Getty Images

The exchange is set to begin at 3 a.m. EST, according to sources.

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