First Israeli Hostage Freed in Gaza, Seven More En Route to Liberty

The first Israeli hostage has been released to the Red Cross in the Gaza Strip, reports say, and seven more are on their way to freedom today. Israeli officials said the person is now being transported to personnel from the IDF and ISA in the Gaza Strip.

Watch: Hostage Release Caught in Real Time

In livestreamed video from Gaza, 20-year-old Agam Berger was escorted to the Red Cross surrounded by masked and armed militants. Berger was taken in the October 7, 2023 attacks and her homecoming represents an important milestone as Israel seeks freedom for the remainder of its hostages.

Agam Berger's Story: The Last of Her Unit to Be Freed

Agam Berger was part of the Tatzpitaniyot, an all-female, unarmed military unit responsible for surveillance activities across the Gaza border. Seven members of her unit were kidnapped from the Nahal Oz military base during the assault. One of her fellow soldiers was murdered while in captivity, another was rescued, and four others were released as part of a previous cease-fire agreement. Berger remained the last of her unit to be held in Gaza.

Her family had been waiting anxiously for her return and expressed their emotions since the news came. They were "overjoyed and moved" when four of her unit members were released on Saturday and had been waiting for the moment they could embrace Agam again.

Islamic Jihad Releases Video of Hostages

Meanwhile, the hardline group Islamic Jihad meanwhile released a videotape showing images of two captive Israelis, Arbel Yehud, 29, and Gadi Moses, 80, smiling in the dark, but it wasn't clear exactly when the tape was made; their release has been scheduled today with the same efforts at negotiations continuing.

Hopeful Step Towards Further Releases

These newly released hostages give the waiting families of some hope that one day their family members will also come home. The job of securing the freedom of more captives is well underway, with humanitarian organizations working hard in the negotiation and transfer process.

More hostages are expected to be freed today; stay tuned for further updates.