20.02.2025 07:51
In the third round of the prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel, Israeli prisoner Agam Berger revealed that members of Hamas's military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, provided him and his friends with a "prayer book" to perform religious rituals and celebrate the Passover holiday. Berger also stated that he was greatly astonished by the items given to him by Hamas.
Israeli captive Agam Berger stated in an interview with Yediot Ahronot newspaper that during the time he was held captive in the Gaza Strip, members of Hamas's military wing, the Kassam Brigades, provided them with various items, including the Siddur, which is considered the daily prayer book of Jews.
"IT WAS NOT JUST A COINCIDENCE, IT CAME UP JUST WHEN WE NEEDED IT"
Expressing their surprise at the distribution of these items by the members of the Kassam Brigades, Berger said, "We don't know how it happened, but they brought us some items, including a prayer book. It was not just a coincidence; it came up just when we needed it."
"I ASKED FOR EGYPTIAN FLOUR, THEY BROUGHT IT TO ME"
Berger stated that they determined the dates of Jewish holidays by following the radio and television with his friends, mentioning that he was able to celebrate Passover and refused to eat leavened bread, saying, "I asked for Egyptian flour, and they brought it to me."
Emphasizing that those who held him captive respected "religious captives," Berger noted that he was able to observe Yom Kippur and the Esther Fast. Additionally, speaking to Israel's Maariv newspaper, Berger stated that he was able to celebrate Shabbat (the holy day of Jews, Saturday) while in captivity, saying, "At one point, members of the Kassam Brigades would bring us candles before Shabbat." Israeli female soldier Agam Berger, who was held captive in the Gaza Strip, was released during the third round of the prisoner exchange on January 30, along with Arbel Yehud, who caused a crisis after the second round, and 80-year-old civilian captive Gadi Moses, as well as five Thai citizens.
CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT BETWEEN HAMAS AND ISRAEL
The ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement reached between Hamas and Israel came into effect on Sunday, January 19, at 12:15 PM Turkish time. As part of the agreement, on Monday, January 27, the Netzarim Corridor was opened for the passage of Palestinians from south to north in the Gaza Strip, and the Israeli army withdrew from the Netzarim Corridor on February 9.
The Rafah Border Gate between the Gaza Strip and Egypt was opened on February 1 for the evacuation of the sick and injured after the Israeli army's 8-month occupation. In the first six rounds of the prisoner exchange, 1,135 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons were released, along with 19 Israelis and 5 Thais from Gaza. According to the ceasefire agreement, which will consist of three phases, it is expected that over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners will be released in exchange for a total of 33 Israeli prisoners during the first 42-day phase.