Hamas announced it will provide Israel tomorrow with the names of four hostages to be released Saturday, including potentially Agam Berger. The exchange is part of the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, where Hamas will release four women - both soldiers and civilians - in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Meirav Berger requested media outlets not break Shabbat while covering her daughter's return. "We're eagerly awaiting our daughters, likely returning on Shabbat. I've consulted with rabbis, including a senior IDF rabbinate rabbi, to minimize Shabbat violation," she said.
"Please don't break Shabbat - no filming or being filmed. Wait until after Shabbat. There will be plenty of time then," she added during a challah separation ceremony for her daughter.
Shas party chairman Aryeh Deri responded emotionally to Berger's request, praising Agam's dedication to maintaining Shabbat even in captivity. "Today, with all of Israel, we'll light Shabbat candles and pray deeply for your daughter's safe return and for all the hostages," he said.
Agam Berger was kidnapped from Nahal Oz base on October 7th along with Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy. For each released female soldier, Israel will free 50 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 convicted terrorists serving life sentences. The previous exchange saw three civilian hostages - Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher - returned in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas official Zaher Jabarin confirmed to Qatar's Al-Araby news that the names of the four hostages will be provided to mediators on Friday. Israeli media reports indicate the government expects hostage Arbel Yehud to be among those released, though concerns exist as she is believed to be held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad rather than Hamas.
Kikar HaShabbat and Times of Israel contributed to this article.
0 Comments