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Middle East live updates: Siegel's family thanks President Trump 'for bringing our father back to us'

Thirty-three hostages are set to be released in the ceasefire's first phase.

Many residents of northern Gaza and southern Lebanon are expected to return to their homes in the coming days and weeks, with most of the fighting in both areas paused under Israeli ceasefire agreements with Hamas and Hezbollah.

Under Israel's multi-phased deal with Hamas, some hostages held in the Gaza Strip and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have started to be released. Negotiations between Israel and Hamas are expected to continue amid the first phase of the deal, which was slated to last about six weeks.


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Agam Berger's family issues statement following her release

The family of Agam Berger has released a statement after she was escorted out of the Gaza Strip by Israeli special forces early Wednesday morning.

"Thank God we have reached this moment, and our hero Agam has returned to us after 482 days in enemy hands," the statement said. "Our daughter is strong, faithful, and brave. We want to thank the security forces and all the people of Israel for their support and prayers. Now Agam and our family can begin the healing process, but the recovery will not be complete until all the hostages return home."


Hostage Agam Berger has been handed over to the Red Cross

Agam Berger has been escorted out of the Gaza Strip by Israeli special forces after being handed over to them by the Red Cross.

"The Returning Hostage, IDF Soldier Agam Berger, has Crossed Into Israeli Territory With IDF and ISA Forces," according to a joint IDF and ISA statement issued early Thursday. "A short while ago, accompanied by IDF and ISA forces, the returning hostage, IDF soldier Agam Berger, crossed the border into Israeli territory. The returning hostage is currently on her way to an initial reception point in southern Israel, where she will be reunited with her parents."


110 Palestinian prisoners will be released on Thursday

The Israelis will release about 110 Palestinian prisoners Thursday, according to the Prison Media Office.

Within the first phase of the exchange deal, 32 prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment, 48 prisoners with high sentences and 30 child prisoners will be released.

Hamas will release three Israeli hostages as well as five Thai nationals. The Israelis set to be released have been identified as Arbel Yehoud, Agam Berger and Gadi Moses.

The exchange is set to begin at 3 a.m. EST, according to sources.


3 hostages set to be released Thursday have been identified

The names of the three hostages set to be released Thursday have been identified, according to the Hostage Center. American Keith Seigal is not on the list for Thursday's release.

“The Families' Headquarters for the Return of the Abductees welcomes the good news of the expected release of Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger and Gadi Mozes after 482 days in Hamas captivity. An entire people is fighting for them and eagerly awaits their long-awaited return to the arms of their families,” a spokesperson for the Families’ Headquarters for the Return of the Abductees said in a statement on Wednesday.

“We have the sacred duty and moral right to return all our brothers and sisters home. We will not give up and will not stop at any stage until all the abductees return home within the framework of the current agreement, until the last abductee — the living for rehabilitation and the dead for a proper burial in their country,” the spokesperson said.

“The families of the abductees were informed by IDF liaison officers of the names of the abductees who will be released tomorrow, in the third wave of the plan. According to the agreement, the next wave, in which 3 additional abductees (men who are alive) are to be released, will take place on Saturday. The families will be informed of the names of those being released on Friday,” said the directorate of abductees, returnees and missing persons in the Israeli Prime Minister's Office.