Hamas released a third group of hostages as part of a ceasefire deal with Israel, including Israeli soldier Agam Berger, two other Israelis, and five Thai nationals. In return, Israel is releasing 110 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 serving life sentences.

Axar.az, citing Fox news, reports that the ceasefire, brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, aims to de-escalate the conflict that began after Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

The first phase of the truce involves Hamas freeing 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel has allowed displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, which has been devastated by airstrikes. Humanitarian aid has also increased.

Negotiations for a second phase could extend the ceasefire indefinitely, but if no agreement is reached, fighting may resume in early March. Israel remains committed to eliminating Hamas, while Hamas demands a complete Israeli withdrawal before releasing more hostages.

Over 47,000 Palestinians have died, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, while Israel claims to have killed 17,000 militants. The war has left Gaza in ruins, with most of its population displaced.