Israel Delays Palestinian Prisoners’ Release After Hamas Frees Hostages

Hamas handed over three Israeli and five Thai hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza on Thursday.

Thu Jan 30 2025
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KEY POINTS

  • Israel delays the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners after Hamas handed over hostages.
  • Israel cites chaotic scenes at the handover points as a reason to suspend the prisoner release.
  • The Israeli military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 48,156 Palestinians since 7 Oct 2023.
  • Israeli forces intensify operations in the occupied West Bank.

 

GAZA CITY: Israel has delayed the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners despite Hamas handing over three Israeli and five Thai hostages to the Red Cross on Thursday as part of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

This was the third such exchange since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza began earlier this month. However, chaotic scenes unfolded at the handover points, with large crowds gathering around the captives.

“The political leadership announced the suspension of the operation to release Palestinian prisoners … until further notice,” Israeli army radio reported, citing the chaotic scenes as reasons.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed shock at the disorderly handover and warned that anyone harming hostages would face severe consequences. He called on mediators to ensure such incidents would not be repeated.

As part of the truce agreement that halted Israeli bombardments in Gaza, 110 Palestinian prisoners were scheduled for release on Thursday. However, an Israeli official involved in the process stated that buses transporting the detainees were ordered to return to prison in response to the chaotic handover.

The fragile ceasefire aims to end the war in Gaza and facilitate the exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel.

ALSO READ: Israel to Free 200 Palestinian Prisoners

Under the truce, hundreds of Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza over the past three days. However, their return has been bittersweet, as many have lost friends or relatives, and northern neighbourhoods have been reduced to rubble after more than 15 months of relentless Israeli bombardment.

According to the OIC media observatory, the Israeli military campaign has killed at least 48,156 Palestinians in Gaza since 7 October 2023. Almost all of Gaza’s inhabitants have been displaced at least once by the airstrikes, which have devastated large parts of the territory.

Despite the sustained Israeli bombardment and the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Al-Sinwar, Hamas maintains a strong presence in Gaza.

“The killing of leaders only makes the people stronger and more determined,” senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said.

In Tel Aviv, Israelis gathered at what has become known as Hostages Square, watching the release of captives on a giant screen while cheering and shedding tears.

The freed hostages were taken to hospital for medical evaluation. Around half of the hostages were freed during a previous truce between Israel and Hamas.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces have intensified operations in the occupied West Bank since the Gaza ceasefire took effect, stating that they are targeting militants in the Palestinian territory.

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