After 482 days, as part of the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, female IDF observer Agam Berger, 19, reunited with her parents in Israel, while Arbel Yehoud, 29, and Gadi Moses, 80, were handed over to the Red Cross amid surging crowds in Gaza, along with five Thai nationals. Three more hostages are expected to be released on Saturday.
All the updates on the return of the hostages to Israel – minute by minute.
LIVEBLOG:
2:21 p.m.: According to political echelon directive, the release of Palestinian security prisoners has been suspended until further notice, following today's chaos during the hostage release in Gaza.
2:15 p.m.: They're home: The hostages have crossed into Israel and are arriving at the family reunion site.
1:47 p.m.: IDF and Shin Bet: All seven hostages have been transferred to IDF and Shin Bet forces in the Gaza Strip. They are now being escorted by an IDF elite unit and Shin Bet forces on their way to Israel, where they will undergo initial medical evaluation.
1:23 p.m.:
Red Cross convoy with hostages Yehoud, Moses, and five Thai nationals leaves Khan Yunis for Israel. https://t.co/YMfRifKRM1
— Israel Hayom English (@IsraelHayomEng) January 30, 2025
1:17 p.m.: Amid chaotic scenes from Gaza crowds, Gadi Moses was transferred to the Red Cross after a 90-minute delay.
1:06 p.m.: Qatari media reports three Thai nationals are currently being transferred to the Red Cross.
12:53 p.m.: Chaos in Gaza: Arbel Yehoud was handed to Red Cross amid surging crowds.
12:46 p.m.: Finally: Agam Berger reunited with her parents.
12:08 p.m.:
Arbel Yehoud's friends create a welcome message in the fields near the Gaza border saying: "Welcome home Arbel" https://t.co/VFwbZMUQEx
— Israel Hayom English (@IsraelHayomEng) January 30, 2025
12:07 p.m.: IDF Spokesperson: Israeli Air Force intercepted a Hezbollah surveillance drone launched toward Israel. The IDF will not tolerate Hezbollah terrorist operations from Lebanon and will act to eliminate any threat to Israel and its citizens.
11:57 a.m.: Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is en route to Beilinson Hospital, which is prepared to receive returning hostages.
11:57 a.m.: IDF observer Agam Berger is in good condition following an initial medical check.
11:50 a.m.: Initial report: Interception over Metula in northern Israel during the hostage release.
11:44 a.m.: Red Cross arrives at the hostage handover point in Khan Yunis.
11:22 a.m.: Crowds of Gazans gathered near the ruins of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's house, where hostages Gadi Moses and Arbel Yehoud will be handed over to the Red Cross.
11:20 a.m.: After 482 days: IDF observer Agam Berger arrived at the initial processing site near the Gaza border and was reunited with her family.
10:45 a.m: The four observers who were released in the previous phase are watching as their friend Agam Berger is handed over to the Red Cross from Beilinson Hospital, where she will join them upon her return.
10:30 a.m: Agam Berger, escorted by IDF and Shin Bet forces, crossed the border into Israel a short while ago. She is now on her way to the initial reception point in the Gaza border region, where she will reunite with her parents.
10:23 a.m: IDF: Agam Berger has now been transferred to an IDF and Shin Bet force in the Gaza Strip and is en route to Israel, where she will undergo an initial medical evaluation. The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages in the near future.
10:17 a.m: A photo has been published in Gaza showing another hostage transfer point in the Khan Younis area, where Gadi Moses, Arbel Yehud, and the five Thai hostages are expected to be handed over.
10:00 a.m: Leaving Sinwar's residence while waving to the crowd: Agam Berger has been transferred to the Red Cross.
09:47 a.m: Red Cross vehicles have reached the designated meeting point where Agam Berger will be freed.
09:39 a.m: Israel's Population and Immigration Authority: The Association of Ethnic Restaurants will provide a shipment of Thai food for the five Thai hostages returning from Gaza today, along with the three Israelis.
09:31 a.m: According to information received in Israel, the Red Cross has now received coordinates for the retrieval of observer Agam Berger. The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross in the coming hours.
09:24 a.m: Moments before their release: The Islamic Jihad has published a video showing Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses in captivity.
Video: a video showing Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses in captivity
09:12 a.m: Report on Al Arabiya: The "release ceremony" for Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses, who are being held by the Islamic Jihad, will take place in front of the home of Yahya Sinwar in Khan Younis.
09:09 a.m: The Islamic Jihad's military wing announces: Preparations for the release of Gadi Moses and Arbel Yehud have been completed.
08:26 a.m: Special US envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is expected to visit the hospital this morning to meet with the Israeli observers recently freed from Hamas captivity—Daniela Gilboa, Liri Elbag, and Naama Levy.
