IDF Spokesperson: 'Hamas Put the Hostages' Lives at Risk'
IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari issued a statement regarding the release of hostages today, emphasizing the role Hamas played in endangering the lives of those being freed. A total of eight hostages were released, including Israeli nationals Arbel Yehud, Gadi Mozes, and Agam Berger, along with five Thai nationals. They had been held in captivity for 482 days since the brutal October 7 attacks by Hamas.
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Rear Admiral Hagari confirmed the return of these hostages, noting the significance of their release after months of uncertainty. "Today, we returned eight more hostages—Arbel Yehud, Gadi Mozes, Agam Berger, and five Thai nationals who were abducted on October 7," he said. Arbel Yehud had been taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz, where her brother, Dolev, was tragically killed. Her partner, Ariel Cunio, remains in captivity. Gadi Mozes, 80 years old, was also abducted from Nir Oz, alongside several of his family members. Hagari reaffirmed the IDF's commitment to returning all hostages, including those still held in Gaza, stating, "We have a commitment to bringing them all back—returning the living for rehabilitation and the deceased for burial."
Agam Berger, an IDF soldier, was also released today, marking the return of the last abducted soldier from the Nahal Oz base. "Agam and her fellow soldiers acted bravely and courageously that morning, standing against a brutal enemy storming toward them," Hagari praised. He extended condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones during the Nahal Oz attack, vowing to investigate the events thoroughly.
However, Hagari strongly criticized the actions surrounding the release of the hostages. "The distressing images from Gaza today put Arbel and Gadi’s lives at risk," he said, condemning Hamas for exposing the hostages to danger as they were paraded in front of crowds. "Hamas is responsible for this—and as we have made clear, we will not accept such danger to the hostages!" He reiterated the IDF's commitment to ensuring the ceasefire agreement is fully upheld and that Hamas will be held accountable for any violations.
Looking beyond the hostages' release, Hagari also addressed ongoing operations in Judea and Samaria. "In Judea and Samaria, we eliminated ten terrorists yesterday in an airstrike," he reported, confirming that the IDF continues its efforts to combat terrorism. Sadly, the IDF also lost a soldier in an exchange of fire during a raid in the Jenin Camp. Staff Sergeant Liam Hazi, from the Haruv Reconnaissance Battalion, was killed in the battle, and others were injured. Hagari offered condolences to Hazi's family, honoring the fallen soldiers who have paid the ultimate price in the fight against terrorism.
The IDF remains determined to bring all hostages home and continues its operations against terrorism, both in Gaza and across Israel.