Arbel Yehud, Gadi Moses and 5 Thai citizens return to Israel | Israel protests 'shocking scenes' during hostage release | Agam Berger reunited with parents
14:30 - Israel delays prisoner release in protest over mayhem around hostage release
In response to the chaotic scenes during the release of the Israeli hostages, the Israeli government ordered to delay the release of the Palestinian prisoners.
Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz "ordered that the release of the terrorists slated to be released today be delayed until the safe exit of our hostages in the next phases is assured," the Prime Minister's Office stated. "Israel demands that the mediators see to this."
14:25 - Israeli government condemns "shocking scenes" around hostage release, logs complaint with mediators
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply condemned the scenes of chaos surrounding the release of the hostages in Khan Younis earlier today.
"I view with utmost severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages. This is additional proof of the inconceivable brutality of the Hamas terrorist organization," the Prime Minister's Office said.
"I demand that the mediators make certain that such terrible scenes do not recur, and guarantee the safety of our hostages. Whoever dares to harm our hostages will pay the price."
14:06 - The hostages have crossed into Israel
Released hostages Arbel Yehud, Gad Moses, Thaenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakhan, Sriaoun Watchara, Saethao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak have crossed into Israeli territory.
"The returnees, accompanied by IDF and Shin Bet forces, recently crossed the border into Israeli territory and are now on their way to the initial absorption point in the Gaza Strip," the IDF stated.
The two Israeli returnees, Arbel Yehud and Gad Moshe Mozes, will meet with their families at this point. The released Thai hostages will be received by Thai government officials at the absorption point.
13:38 - Arbel Yehud, Gadi Moses and 5 Thai citizens are in the hand of the IDF
The seven hostages were handed over to IDF troops by the Red Cross and are now on the way to Israel.
"The seven returnees are currently being escorted by an elite IDF and Shin Bet unit on their way to Israel, where they will undergo an initial medical evaluation," the IDF stated.
12:54 - Chaos at handover point in Khan Younis as terrorists hand over hostages to Red Cross
Dozens of armed PIJ and Hamas terrorists strugged for around 20 minutes to escort Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses through a hostile crowd that shoved and pressed toward them.
They were handed over to the Red Cross, which will now take them to a meeting point with IDF forces.
12:51 - Agam Berger is reunited with her parents
Freed hostage Agam Berger was reunited with her parents, who received her at the IDF's initial reception point near Re'im.
A smile worth a thousand words. 💛
— Government Press Office 🇮🇱 (@GPOIsrael) January 30, 2025
📸IDF Spokesperson's Unit pic.twitter.com/QDGzF55IEW
12:34 - Massive crowds presses in hindering hostages from reaching Red Cross
The large crowds at the release in Khan Younis are pressing in on the hostages, as dozens of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters try to press forward with hostages to reach the point of the handover.
At this point, the Red Cross vehicles are not clearly seen.
12:02 - IDF intercepts Hezbollah drone in northern Israel
A short while ago, a Hezbollah surveillance UAV that was launched toward Israeli territory was intercepted by the IAF. No sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol.
The incident marks the first time that Hezbollah has launched a drone since the start of the Lebanon ceasefire.
The IDF said it "will not allow Hezbollah terrorist activities in Lebanon and will operate to remove any threat posed to the State of Israel and its citizens."
12:00 - Israeli and Thai hostages arrive at handover point in Khan Younis
A convoy of Palestinian Islamic Jihad vehicles bringing the two Israeli hostages and the five Thai hostages has arrived at the massive demonstration organized by PIJ in Khan Younis, next to the destroyed house of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
The vehicles carrying the hostages are having trouble moving to the reception point due to the crowds pressing in along the way.
The level of cooperation between Hamas and PIJ in the handover at Khan Younis is seen as unusual due to the level of distrust and competition between the two groups.
11:48 - Red Cross vehicles arrive in Khan Younis to receive hostages
The Red Cross vehicle convoy has arrived at a location in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis to receive the civilian hostages Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group.
According to Palestinian reports, the hostage handover was organized outside the ruins of the home of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
11:45 - Trump envoy Steve Witkoff heading to hospital to meet Agam Berger
US President Donald Trump's envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is on his way to Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva, where the four female surveillance soldiers who were released last week, Liri Elbag, Karina Aryev, Daniella Gilboa and Naama Levy are staying. Agam Berger is also expected to arrive there within the next few minutes.
11:35 - Witkoff meets with coalition leaders in Jerusalem
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer (Likud), Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (Religious Zionism) met with President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff in Jerusalem today.
Witkoff met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem yesterday, where Witkoff reportedly told Netanyahu and Dermer that the US is committed to work with the other mediators to ensure that the ceasefire deal is completed successfully.
The presence of Smotrich at the meeting is significant, due to his opposition to the ceasefire deal.
11:15 - Agam Berger has reached first reception point in Israel
Returning IDF Soldier Agam Berger, has arrived at an IDF facility near the Gaza border community of Re’im, where she is being reunited with her family, the IDF announced.
IDF officers from the Manpower Directorate and IDF medical officials are accompanying the returning hostage, and she will undergo an initial medical assessment.
IDF representatives are accompanying the rest of her family waiting at the hospital and updating them with the latest available information.
Agam Berger’s family watching their loved one being transferred to the Red Cross. 🙏🏻💛 pic.twitter.com/kLOC2HxcoT
— Government Press Office 🇮🇱 (@GPOIsrael) January 30, 2025
11:07 - Hamas terrorist who kidnapped Naama Levy was killed, IDF says
The Hamas terrorist who was seen brutally kidnapping and dragging the female IDF soldier Naama Levy on Oct. 7 was eliminated by the IDF some four months ago, the army cleared for publication.
The army allowed publication of the information after Agam Berger, the last of the five IDF surveillance soldiers who were kidnapped together, was released earlier today.
BREAKING: Israel officially confirmed that the Hamas terrorist who kidnapped Naama Levy on October 7th was successfully eliminated by the Israeli Air Force 4 months ago. pic.twitter.com/tk8CYWrbOn
— Vivid.🇮🇱 (@VividProwess) January 30, 2025
10:57 - Red Cross on way to receive Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes in Khan Younis
The Red Cross is currently on its way to the meeting point in Khan Younis to receive Israeli hostages Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes, i24 News reported.
10:50 - 4 IDF observers released on Saturday waiting to receive Agam Berger
The four IDF surveillance soldiers released last Saturday, Karina Ariev, Danielle Gilboa, Liri Albag, and Naama Levy are watching the broadcast of Agam Berger's release, and are waiting to meet her at the hospital upon her arrival.
Returnees Liri, Naama, Daniella, and Karina watch their fellow observation soldier and friend, hostage Agam Berger, being transferred to the Red Cross. 👆🏻💛
— Government Press Office 🇮🇱 (@GPOIsrael) January 30, 2025
📸 IDF Spokesperson’s Unit pic.twitter.com/pfSAtneApK
10:39 - Thousands of Palestinians arrive in Khan Younis for release of Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes
Thousands of Palestinians were seen gathering at the location where Palestinian Islamic Jihad is preparing to hand over the two civilian hostages Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes to Red Cross representatives.
At this moment, PIJ forces and vehicles are arriving at the location, near the destroyed house of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The Red Cross has not yet announced receivng the location for the release.
Khan Younis where Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Mozes will soon be released by Palestinian Islamic Jihad pic.twitter.com/rMK06wGxm1
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) January 30, 2025
According to reports on Palestinian social media, the large presence of PIJ terrorists and members of other Palestinian resistance groups was meant as a show of force to Israel.
10:27 - Prime Minister's Office confirms reception of Berger by IDF
Agam Berger is in Israeli hands, the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed in a statement.
“The Israeli government embraces Agam Berger, an Israel Defense Forces soldier. Her family has been informed by the relevant authorities that she was received by our forces,” the statement read.
“The government, together with all security agencies, will accompany her and her family. The Israeli government is committed to the return of all abducted and missing persons.”
“And I will bring my people Israel back from exile, Amos 9:14.”
10:24 - IDF says Berger is being transported to Israeli territory by 'elite IDF unit'
The freed hostage Agam Berger is currently being escorted by an elite IDF and Shin Bet unit on her way to Israel, where she will undergo an initial medical assessment, the IDF announced.
"IDF commanders and soldiers salute and embrace the returnee on her way to Israel."
The IDF spokesperson asks the public to show responsibility and sensitivity and respect her privacy.
The IDF is also prepared to receive additional hostages within the next few minutes.
10:22 - PIJ preparing for release of Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes in Khan Younis
PIJ forces in Khan Younis appear to be preparing for the arrival of the other two Israeli hostages, Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes, in Khan Younis within the next few minutes.
10:20 - Agam Berger minutes away from handover to Israeli forces
According to reports in Israeli media, the released hostage Agam Berger is minutes away from Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip waiting to receive her and take her to Israeli territory.
10:15 - IDF says Berger currently being transported by Red Cross to meeting point
According to information communicated by the Red Cross, one hostage [Agam Berger] was transferred to them, and they are on their way to meet IDF and ISA (Shin Bet) forces in the Gaza Strip.
10:03 - Agam Berger handed over to Red Cross in northern Gaza
The IDF surveillance soldier Agam Berger is being handed over to Red Cross representatives in Jabaliya at this moment.
As with the previous release of the other four surveillance soldiers, Berger was given a certificate of release by Hamas and a "gift bag," and was taken on a stage before being allowed to enter a Red Cross vehicle.
In video on public broadcaster Kan 11, her family was seen screaming at crying with joy as video of her release was broadcast into Israel.
09:50 - Judges in Netanyahu trial agree to grant recess next week for trip to Washington
The panel of judges in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial granted his request to cancel the hearings next week due to his invitation to the White House for a meeting with President Donald Trump. Netanyahu will be the first foreign leader to meet with Trump at the White House since his inauguration.
09:45 - Red Cross says reception teams on way to receive hostages
The International Red Cross said its hostage reception teams were given the handover locations and are on their way to receive the hostages.
A convoy Red Cross vehicles has arrived to a stage set up by Hamas Terrorist in northern Gaza's Jabalia for the handover of hostage soldier Agam Berger. pic.twitter.com/qpJlbvzn7l
— Faraz Pervaiz (@FarazPervaiz3) January 30, 2025
09:30 - PIJ releases video of hostages Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes
Palestinian Islamic Jihad published a video of the hostage Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes, who are scheduled to be released later today after 482 days in captivity. In the video, they are seen meeting and hugging each other ahead of their release. According to Palestinian reports, the two are expected to be released at a delivery center in Khan Younis.
#شاهد | سـ.ــرايا القدس تنشر: الأسرى الصـ.ــهاينة "أربيل يهود" و"جادي موزيس" المحتجزين لدى سرايا القدس خلال الإجراءات النهائية لعملية التسليم pic.twitter.com/5MJVRdu5jP
— المركز الفلسطيني للإعلام (@PalinfoAr) January 30, 2025
09:25 - PIJ says preparations for hostage release complete
Palestinian Islamic Jihad announces: We have completed preparations for the handover of Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes.
09:20 - IDF destroys house of terrorist Jamal abu Haniya in Samaria
IDF troops demolished the home of Palestinian terrorist Jamal Abu Haniya, who took part in the attack in Qalqilya.
Jamal Abu Haniyeh was a member of a Palestinian Islamic Jihad cell, who killed Israeli civilian Amnon Muchtar in a terror attack in Qalqilya last June.
Abu Haniyeh was killed in a drone strike near Tulkarem in August, along with eight other terrorists during an IDF anti-terror operation.
כחלק מהמבצע לסיכול טרור בצפון השומרון, כוחות צה"ל, שב״כ ומג״ב פעלו הלילה בקלקיליה שבחטיבת אפרים והרסו את ביתו של המחבל ג׳מאל אבו הניה.
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) January 30, 2025
המחבל ביצע, יחד עם מחבלים נוספים, בתאריך 22 ביוני 2024 פיגוע טרור בעיר קלקיליה בו נרצח אמנון מוכתר ז"ל pic.twitter.com/fpA8tcFtQm
08:35 - Hostage release to occur in several places
The Lebanese Al-Mayadeen network, which is affiliated with Hezbollah, reported that the handover of the hostages later today will not occur in one place. Besides the preparations for a release in Jabaliya, it was also reported that preparations had begun for the hostage transfer in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip.
08:05 - Hamas sets up stage in Jabaliya for hostage release
Hamas set up Palestinian flags, a stage, and banners in the ruins of Jabaliya, where it is believed that the fifth female IDF observer, Agam Berger, will be handed over to the Red Cross. One of the banners reads in Hebrew, "Jabaliya, Tomb of Givati [Brigade]."
It is also believed that other hostages may be handed over to the Red Cross at other locations in the Gaza Strip.
#صور | 🔻 "جباليا قبر جفعاتي"... كتائب القسام في شمال غزة تستعد لتسليم دفعة جديدة من أسرى الاحتلال الإسرائيلي. pic.twitter.com/KANqt5T0Ja
— وكالة شهاب للأنباء (@ShehabAgency) January 30, 2025
06:00 - Hamas expected to release 3 Israeli hostages, 5 Thai hostages as early as 09:00
The hostages to be released later this morning are IDF surveillance soldier Agam Berger, and Arbel Yehud, who should have been freed on Saturday, and Gadi Mozes. Another five Thai nationals abducted by terrorists on October 7, 2023, will also to be freed today. The exact location of the handover to the Red Cros is not yet clear.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
