Israel and Hamas are set to swap more hostages for prisoners in another test of the Gaza ceasefire
Associated PressJan 26
8 Gaza Hostages Released, Including 5 Thais
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Above: Hamas militants escort Israeli hostage Agam Berger on a stage before handing her over to a Red Cross team in Jabalia on Jan. 30, 2025, as part of their third hostage-prisoner exchange. Image copyright: Saeed Jaras/Contributor/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Hamas released eight hostages in Gaza on Thursday, with three being Israelis and the other five being Thais. The Israeli hostages consisted of women — one of whom was a soldier — and an 80-year-old man.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the release, saying that it was "chaotic." Netanyahu's office initially said the release of Palestinian prisoners would be delayed until the "safe exit of our hostages in the next phases is assured," though this was quickly resolved.
Videos circulating on social media depicted hostages being led by gunmen between surging crowds before being handed over to the International Red Cross. After the delay, 110 Palestinian prisoners were released.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Though Hamas, in many cases, was the main obstacle to achieving an end to this terrible war, the US is proud of its role in mediating. With a deal agreed upon, the hostages will return home and Israel will be more secure. Nonetheless, the implementation of the agreement must be done correctly.
Pro-Israel narrative
The release of the hostages is Israel's main goal, but, at the same time, it will not allow Hamas to make a mockery of the cease-fire agreement. Hostages were paraded through Gaza like animals, and this despicable treatment cannot be repeated. Hamas must understand that there will be consequences to violations of the deal.
Pro-Palestine narrative
While the media has spent a ludicrous amount of time criticizing the release of hostages from Gaza, freed Palestinian prisoners show clear signs of torture and poor treatment. Palestinians are starved and beaten while in Israeli detention, yet this gets almost no media attention. Likewise, as Netanyahu works tirelessly to find any loophole to sabotage the cease-fire, the media remains silent.
