The office of Netanyahu’s office confirms the return of Agam Berger whose release marks beginning of the third exchange of hostages and prisoners between Israel and Hamas as part of the ceasefire agreement that has halted fighting in the Gaza strip.

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu office had in a statement announced: “The Israeli government embraces Agam Berger, an Israel Defense Forces soldier.

“Government, together with all security agencies, will accompany her and her family”.

“Israeli government is committed to the return of all abducted and missing persons”. The statement ended.

Berger is the last member of an all-female unarmed military unit, known in Hebrew as Tatzpitaniyot, to remain in Gaza. The 20-year-old alongside others who were kidnapped on 7 October 2023.

Seven women from the unit, tasked with observing Gaza on surveillance footage, were taken hostage from the Nahal Oz military base. One was killed in Gaza, another rescued, and four released under the ceasefire deal.

Agam’s family said they were “overjoyed and moved” by the return of the four other female soldiers on Saturday, while they continued to “eagerly await embracing Agam”.

The returning hostage was accompanied by IDF Special Forces and Israel Security Agency forces on her return to Israeli territory, where she went for medical assessment.

“The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostage as she makes her way home to the state of Israel.”

A statement by the IDF and Israeli Security Agency says the returning hostage is “on her way to an initial reception point in southern Israel where she will be reunited with her parents”.

The 20-year-old hostage was released in Jabalia in northern Gaza earlier, where she was handed to the Red Cross, who then transferred her to the Israeli military within Gaza.

Hamas is due to release three Israelis and five Thai citizens. Israel is releasing 110 Palestinian prisoners.

Previous exchanges have freed seven hostages the militants were holding in Gaza and 300 prisoners held by Israel.