Eight hostages released from Gaza amid chaotic scenes as Palestinian prisoners set to be freed

Live updates: Israel-Hamas war, Gaza hostage releases start; 110 Palestinian prisoners to be freed

• Eight hostages – three Israeli and five Thai nationals – were released from captivity in Gaza on Thursday. • Israeli authorities initially delayed the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners after what they said were unacceptable, chaotic scenes at the hostage handover in southern Gaza, before continuing with their release later Thursday. • Israeli soldier Agam Berger was the first to be released by Hamas. Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Mozes were later released in Khan Younis amid chaotic scenes, along with five Thai nationals. • In phase one - the current phase - of the ceasefire and hostage release deal, a total of 33 Israeli hostages taken captive by Hamas and other armed groups in the October 7 attacks are supposed to be freed. Israel is expected to release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in turn. • Two rounds of releases have already taken place. Eight of the remaining Israeli hostages set to be released are dead, according to the Israeli government. Israel’s former defense minister has said he is “so glad” that three Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas were released from Gaza on Thursday, as part of a ceasefire and hostage release deal between both parties.