The long-awaited return of seven hostages held by Hamas finally took place today. Israeli captives Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses, along with five Thai citizens who were kidnapped during the October 7th attack, were released and safely escorted into Israel. Earlier in the morning, IDF observer Agam Berger, who was abducted from Nahal Oz, was also freed and had an emotional reunion with her family.
Timeline of the Hostage Release:
16:21: Arbel Yehud is airlifted by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) to a hospital, where she will meet more family members and receive medical treatment.
16:06: Gadi Moses and the five Thai hostages board an IAF helicopter bound for hospitals. Thai government representatives will accompany their citizens for support and medical care.
2:23 PM: Freed hostages arrive at reception site near the Gaza border
The freed hostages Arbel Yehud, Gadi Moses, and five Thai nationals have arrived at the initial reception point in southern Israel, near the Gaza border.
The IDF Personnel Directorate and military medical teams are accompanying the returnees, who will undergo an initial medical evaluation.
Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses will soon reunite with their families.
The five Thai nationals will meet with representatives from the Thai government. The IDF Spokesperson stated: “IDF representatives are also supporting the families waiting at the hospital, providing them with continuous updates.”
1:39 PM: Seven freed hostages transferred to IDF and Shin Bet forces in Gaza
The IDF Spokesperson confirmed: “The seven returning hostages are now escorted by an elite IDF unit and Shin Bet forces on their way to Israel, where they will undergo an initial medical evaluation. IDF commanders and soldiers salute and embrace them as they make their way home.”
1:15 PM: IDF & Shin Bet: Seven Hostages Transferred to the Red Cross
A joint statement from the IDF and Shin Bet confirmed that seven hostages—including one Israeli man, one Israeli woman, and five foreign nationals—have been handed over to the Red Cross and are currently en route to IDF forces in Gaza.
1:13 PM: Agam Berger arrives at the hospital.
Israel’s Ministry of Health announced Agam Berger’s arrival at the hospital, stating: “Medical teams and professionals are fully prepared to provide any necessary physical, psychological, or other care required. We urge the public to respect the privacy of the returning hostages and their families, ensuring their smooth reintegration into civilian life and recovery.”
12:50 PM: Agam Berger airlifted to hospital.
The IDF Spokesperson reported that Agam Berger and her parents were flown to the hospital by Israeli Air Force helicopter, where she will reunite with the rest of her family and undergo medical treatment.
11:14 AM: Agam Berger Aarives at reception point in Southern Israel.
Agam Berger arrived at the IDF reception site near Gaza, where she met her family for the first time since being abducted.
The IDF Personnel Directorate and medical teams are assessing her condition, while additional IDF representatives are keeping her extended family updated at the hospital.
IDF Forces Receive Agam Berger | Photo: IDF Spokesperson
10:40 AM: Fellow soldiers celebrate Agam’s release
Agam’s fellow IDF observation soldiers, who were released last Saturday, watched her Red Cross transfer with great emotion. Dr. Koren Feldman, director of Beilinson Hospital, told Yoav Even: “There were cheers and overwhelming excitement when the observers saw Agam this morning. Her return is part of their own healing process.”
Video: Agam Berger’s family, at the initial reception facility, watching as Agam is transferred to the Red Cross. pic.twitter.com/jgbwm9T6yj
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 30, 2025
Medical Readiness for Returning Hostages
IDF and Israel’s healthcare system are fully prepared to provide immediate medical care to the returning hostages. Upon arrival in Israel, they will undergo initial health evaluations at designated reception sites near the Gaza border, where they will also reunite with some family members. They will then be airlifted by helicopter to hospitals including Ichilov, Sheba, Assaf Harofeh, and Beilinson, with Barzilai and Soroka hospitals on standby.
The security and health systems stress the importance of protecting the hostages’ privacy, ensuring a smooth transition back into civilian life, alongside full medical and psychological rehabilitation. The public is urged to respect their privacy, especially during this sensitive period.
Security Forces Prepare for Prisoner Releases
Israel’s security forces are preparing for the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners today. Overnight, IDF Central Command conducted multiple arrests across Judea and Samaria, focusing on areas where released prisoners are expected to return.
