After 482 harrowing days in Hamas captivity, 20-year-old Israeli soldier Agam Berger embraced her parents, Shlomi and Merav, at an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) facility near the Gaza border on January 30, 2025. Footage captured the emotional moment as Agam stepped out of a Red Cross vehicle, having shed the military uniform she was reportedly forced to wear by her captors. She first hugged an IDF medical officer before being escorted to another vehicle for transport out of the Gaza Strip.
Agam’s release is part of a broader ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar and Egypt. The deal, which took effect on January 19, 2025, includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Following her initial medical evaluation at the IDF facility, Agam was airlifted by an Israeli Air Force helicopter to Rabin Medical Center in central Israel. There, she reunited with the rest of her family and four fellow observation soldiers—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag—who were released on January 25, 2025, after 477 days in captivity.
The release of these soldiers has been a focal point in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, aiming to bring an end to the 15-month-long conflict that began with a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. This attack resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of about 250 individuals into Gaza.
As part of the ceasefire agreement, Israel has committed to releasing Palestinian prisoners, with the latest exchange involving the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners in return for the freedom of Agam and other hostages.
The reunions of Agam and her fellow soldiers with their families have been met with widespread relief and joy across Israel. However, the situation remains delicate, with ongoing negotiations and efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages. The international community continues to monitor the ceasefire’s progress, hoping it will lead to a lasting resolution and peace in the region.
