WATCH | Israeli soldier Agam Berger, freed by Hamas, waves at cameras after release

She was given a certificate and instructed to wave for the cameras, while her friends, less than 100 kilometres away in Israel, celebrated her release with dancing. Among those watching were Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Daniella Gilboa, and Karina Ariev—hostages who had been freed earlier.

In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, crowds of young people chanted her name, waving photos of the 20-year-old and Israeli flags.

However, videos of her release sparked anger among Israeli observers, who accused Hamas of using her for propaganda purposes.

In another video, Berger is seen reunited with her family.

The militant group released a total of eight hostages on Thursday—three Israelis (Berger, Arbel Yehoud, and Gadi Moses) and five Thai nationals.

With Berger freed first in northern Gaza, hours later, a chaotic scene came up as thousands gathered at a handover site in Khan Younis, in front of the destroyed home of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, to witness the release of the remaining seven hostages. She was taken to the hospital accompanied by her parents post release. The official account of the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel tweeted the video.

Israel is set to release 110 Palestinian prisoners on Thursday. Among them, 30 are serving life sentences for deadly attacks against Israelis.

Zakaria Zubeidi, a former leader of a Palestinian militant group jailed for attacks that killed several Israelis, is reportedly among those being released.

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