Live Update arrow right icon From the Liveblog of Thursday, January 30, 2025

Hamas setting up stage in northern Gaza’s Jabalia ahead of hostage release

By Emanuel Fabian 30 January 2025, 8:17 am 2 Edit

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Hamas has been setting up a stage in northern Gaza’s Jabalia for this morning’s hostage release, Palestinian media report.

The hostages being freed in the coming hours are surveillance soldier Agam Berger and civilians Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Mozes. Another five Thai nationals abducted by terrorists on October 7, 2023, are also to be freed.

Berger is held by Hamas, and will likely be paraded on the stage in Jabalia, similar to last week’s hostage release of four other surveillance soldiers.

Yehoud and Mozes are being held by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

It is unclear if the two Israeli civilians and five Thai nationals will be handed over to the Red Cross at the same location.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
JOIN THE TOI COMMUNITY
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.