Summary

Media caption,

Watch: Chaos and celebrations as eight hostages released by Hamas

  1. Video of two Israeli hostages released by Islamic Jihadpublished at 07:40 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    The militant group Islamic Jihad has this morning released a video of two of the Israeli hostages due to be released.

    It shows Arbel Yehud, 29 and Gadi Moses, 80, smiling in what looks like a dark room. It is unclear when the video was filmed.

    As a reminder, three Israeli hostages - held by both Hamas and Islamic Jihad - are set to be released this morning, along with five Thai nationals.

  2. Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants gather in Khan Younispublished at 07:24 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    A row of militants holding guns and wearing camouflage.Image source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Militants standing guard in Khan Younis

    We've just received these pictures from Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

    Militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad have gathered in Khan Younis ahead of the hostage release, according to Reuters.

    It's thought a release may also take place in Jabalia, in northern Gaza.

    A large crowd gathers with cars and flags dotted around the scene.Image source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    A crowd has also gathered at the scene

  3. More than 100 Palestinian prisoners set to be released todaypublished at 07:19 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    The Hamas-run Prisoners Media Office says Israel will release 110 Palestinian prisoners on Thursday.

    According to the media office, 32 of those being released have been given life sentences, 30 are described as "children and women prisoners", and 20 will be deported "outside the Palestinian territories".

    On Saturday, Israel released 200 Palestinian prisoners, with more than half of the released having been serving life sentences - some were convicted of multiple murders, including the killing of Israeli civilians.

    Others were never charged with a crime. Around 70 of the most serious offenders were deported via Egypt to neighbouring countries, including Qatar and Turkey.

    A smaller number were sent to Gaza. The rest - just over 120 - were allowed to return to their homes in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

  4. Who are the Thai nationals being released?published at 07:04 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Five Thai hostages are expected to be released by Hamas this morning.

    The release is part of a separate agreement between Hamas and the Thai government - it's not part of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal.

    Neither Israel nor Hamas have confirmed who's being released.

    Earlier, Thailand said six of its citizens, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Saetho, Sathian Suwannakham, Nattapong Pinta, Pongsak Thaenna and Surasak Rumnao, were still being held in Gaza.

    The foreign ministry said two other Thai hostages - identified as Sudthisak Rinthalak and Sonthaya Oakkharasri - were believed to be dead.

    All eight were abducted from farms in southern Israel near the Gaza border during Hamas's deadly attack on on 7 October 2023.

  5. Who are the Israelis set to be released today?published at 07:02 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    A composite image of Arbel Yehoud, Agam Berger and Gadi MosesImage source, Hostages and Missing Families Forum
    Image caption,

    Left to right: Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger and Gadi Moses

    Three Israeli hostages are set to be released today. They are:

    Arbel Yehud, a 29-year-old civilian from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Her partner and his brother are still being held captive, while Arbel’s own brother was found dead in June. She was scheduled for release last Saturday, leading Israel to accuse Hamas of breaking the ceasefire deal.

    Agam Berger, a 20-year-old soldier who was captured alongside four others. Those four soldiers were released last Saturday.

    Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old man abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, where he worked as an agricultural expert. His partner, Efrat Katz, was killed in the 7 October attack.

  6. Three Israeli and five Thai hostages expected to be released soonpublished at 06:59 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Good morning from London. We are expecting three Israeli and five Thai hostages - all kidnapped on 7 October - to be released in Gaza shortly, after more than 15 months in captivity.

    Hamas says they expect 110 Palestinian prisoners to be released later today in return.

    It's part of phase one of the Gaza ceasefire, which was agreed between Israel and Hamas earlier this month.

    Our teams in Israel and across the region will bring you the latest as we have it - and you can watch our coverage live at the top of the page.