Hamas has handed over Agam Berger, a 20-year-old Israeli soldier, to the Red Cross in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, as reported by several news agencies. Release was a component of a larger ceasefire accord between Israel and Hamas also involving hostage exchanges.
A Dramatic Handing Over
Before her release, Berger was paraded on stage by armed Hamas militants, surrounded by men wearing distinctive green headbands. She looked clearly upset as she was told to wave to witnesses just before being sent over to Red Cross. Not long thereafter, the Red Cross helped her to be returned to the Israeli authorities.
Following her release, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement confirming that Berger had been safely handed over to their special forces and was en route to Israel.
“The returning hostage has just been transferred to IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip. She is currently being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on her way back to Israeli territory, where she will undergo an initial medical assessment. The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostage as she makes her way home to the state of Israel.”
Israel’s Commitment to Bring Back Hostages
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to securing the return of all hostages and missing individuals.
“The Israeli government embraces Agam Berger, an Israel Defense Forces soldier. The Israeli government is committed to the return of all abducted and missing persons.”
According to Berger’s family, they felt relieved and thankful to the Israeli security forces and to the Israeli population for their adamant assistance in this crisis.
“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.”
Additional Hostages Released
In addition to Berger, two other Israeli nationals and five foreigners were subsequently turned over to the Red Cross in accordance with the understanding. They were taken to Israel for medical evaluations and to be reunited with their families.
This progress is the latest in the continuing process of a negotiation between Israel and Hamas. Nevertheless, the situation remains tense, and both sides are still actively going through delicate diplomatic work to get more releases and to preserve the ceasefire.
The release of Agam Berger has generated extensive coverage in the Israeli press, and a great deal of relief registered among citizens, combined with a strong sense of the continuing need to provide the freedom of the remaining hostages in Gaza.
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