Hostages Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Mozes have been handed over to the Red Cross through a “baying mob” in southern Gaza, sparking outrage and concern over the conditions of their release.
The transfer took place in Khan Younis, outside the ruins of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s home, according to Palestinian media reports.
The release was carried out by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) group, but video footage from the scene shows the hostages being forced through a heaving crowd of onlookers and armed terrorists.
Yehoud, 29, appeared visibly frightened as she was escorted by heavily armed, masked security personnel, while the crowd pushed and jostled to get closer, many attempting to take photos despite the tense atmosphere.
Yehoud was kidnapped alongside her partner, Ariel Cunio, 27, from Nir Oz. Cunio remains in Gaza, and his brother Eitan later told the JC that Ariel’s last message had been, “We are in a horror movie.”
Gadi Mozes, 80, was also released shortly after Yehoud, according to the Red Cross.
Mozes, an agricultural expert, was taken during the same attack, in which his partner, Efrat Katz, was killed.
Mozes has not been heard from since December 2023, when he appeared in a Hamas propaganda video.
Though he was not as visible in the footage, reports confirm he was part of the handover process.
The hostages were transferred from an PIJ vehicle to the Red Cross convoy, with armed security forces pushing back the crowd to clear a path.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the chaotic release in Khan Younis unacceptable.
“I view with great severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “This is further proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organisation.”
Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben Gvir also issued a statement, condemning the deal that led to their release.
“We are happy and excited about the return of our beloved Agam, Arbel and Gadi, but the horrific images from Gaza make it clear: This is not a complete victory – this is a complete failure, in a reckless deal like no other,” the politician declares.
In addition to Yehoud and Mozes, five Thai hostages have been released to the Red Cross and transferred to the IDF.
The Thai workers were abducted during the October 7 attacks and had been held in Gaza since.
They have been named as Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat and Rumnao Surasak, according to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office and their release is part of separate negotiations through Thai diplomatic channels.
One other Thai hostage, Pinta Nattapong, is believed to remain in Gaza, while two others have been declared dead.
Today’s release is part of a ceasefire agreement between the Palestinian terror groups and Israel, 482 days after the hostages were initially taken captive.
In addition to the hostages, 110 Palestinian prisoners are also expected to be released.
Earlier today, IDF soldier Agam Berger, 20, was freed and airlifted to reunite with her family, according to the Times of Israel.
