Gaza Militants Release Eight More Hostages Amid Ceasefire Deal

Three Israelis and five foreigners are freed in the latest hostage exchange under the ongoing Gaza ceasefire, while aid delivery disputes continue.

Palestinian militants have released eight hostages, including three Israelis, in the third exchange under a ceasefire agreement aimed at halting the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The first to be freed was Agam Berger, a 20-year-old Israeli soldier, who was handed over to International Committee of the Red Cross officials in Jabalia.

Two additional Israeli hostages, Gadi Moses and Arbel Yehud, along with five foreigners, were later released.

These exchanges are part of a broader agreement between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, which includes the release of 1,900 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the scenes surrounding the handover, describing them as 'shocking' and highlighting the chaos of the exchange.

The release came after Hamas accused Israel of delaying aid deliveries to Gaza, a claim which Israel dismissed as 'fake news.' Despite these tensions, the ceasefire deal has facilitated the delivery of aid into Gaza, where humanitarian conditions remain dire.

The truce, which began on January 19, is divided into phases, with the next phase of releases scheduled for the weekend.

The deal also envisions discussions for a long-term resolution and the reconstruction of Gaza, as well as the return of remaining hostages.