After over a year in captivity, IDF soldier Agam Berger has been reunited with her family following her release as part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Berger was the last soldier held captive from the Nahal Oz base attack on October 7th, 2023. The IDF released heartwarming footage of Berger's parents reacting joyfully as they watched their daughter's initial greeting by Israeli forces.

A separate video documented the emotional reunion between Berger and her parents. Her mother embraced her, promising, "We’re here, and we will not leave you ever again. It’s a mother’s promise."

Berger's family expressed immense relief at her return, describing her as "strong, faithful, and brave." They emphasized that while the healing process can now commence, their recovery will only be complete when all hostages are returned. Fellow captives from the October 7th attack – Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Daniela Gilboa, and Karina Ariev – watched Berger's release from Rabin Medical Center. These four soldiers had been freed the previous Saturday under the same ceasefire terms.

Berger was among seven hostages released on Thursday, a group that also included Arbel Yehoud, Gadi Moses, Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed the releases, highlighting the "triumph of the human spirit" while underscoring the remaining 82 hostages still held in Gaza. The organization acknowledged former President Donald Trump's role in facilitating the deal. They also expressed serious concerns about the manner in which the hostages were transferred to the Red Cross, calling for their safety and dignified treatment.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the "shocking scenes" surrounding the hostage release, criticizing Hamas's cruelty and demanding assurances of hostage safety from mediators. The release of Palestinian prisoners was reportedly delayed until guarantees for the safe transfer of future hostages were secured. Images and videos showed released hostages surrounded by crowds and terrorists during their transfer, prompting Netanyahu's intervention.

Following the initial hostage release, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians returned to northern Gaza, a region devastated by the conflict, with many finding their homes reduced to rubble. The ceasefire agreement stipulates the release of 33 Israeli hostages, including vulnerable individuals, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas has reportedly confirmed the deaths of eight hostages included in this first phase of releases.