Israeli military receives hostage after being freed from captivity by Hamas

Israeli military has said that it has received a freed hostage after Hamas hands captive female soldier to Red Cross.

Jerusalem: Israeli soldier Agam Berger has been freed by Hamas after 482 days in captivity. Berger, 20, was kidnapped from the Nahal Oz base on October 7, 2023, along with six other soldiers. The Israeli military confirmed her release, stating that she was transferred to IDF and ISA Forces in Gaza and would undergo a medical assessment upon returning to Israeli territory.

According to the IDF, "An Israeli hostage has just been transferred to IDF and ISA Forces in Gaza. On their return to Israeli territory, they will undergo an initial medical assessment. The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostages as they come back home," IDF posted on X.

Berger arrived at an IDF facility near the Gaza border community of Re’im, where she was greeted with celebration. Many gathered in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, braiding their hair in solidarity with the young soldier. Interestingly, Berger had braided the hair of fellow female hostages, including children, during her captivity in November 2023, as a way to send a message to her loved ones that she was alive.