Israel suspended the planned release of Palestinian prisoners on Thursday after Gaza militants freed three Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals amid chaotic scenes.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Defence Minister Israel Katz, has instructed the delay of the release of the terrorists scheduled for today until the safe departure of our hostages in the upcoming phases is assured,” Netanyahu’s office announced.
The Palestinian Prisoners’ Club advocacy group had earlier stated that Israel was due to release 110 prisoners, including 30 minors, in exchange for the three Israeli hostages. A Hamas source told AFP that the group was in contact with mediators to “compel” Israel to uphold the agreement under the January 19 ceasefire deal aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza.
Israel later indicated it had received assurances from mediators regarding the future “safe release” of captives. Another hostage and prisoner exchange was scheduled for Saturday, with three additional Israeli men expected to be freed.
Hostage Release Sparks Tensions
The suspension of the prisoner release followed the liberation of three Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals, who had been taken captive during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
Netanyahu condemned what he described as “shocking scenes” during the hostage release process in Khan Yunis, where gunmen struggled to control crowds of Gazans gathered to witness the handover.
“This is yet another proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organization,” Netanyahu stated.
Among the first to be released was 20-year-old Israeli soldier Agam Berger, who was handed over separately to International Committee of the Red Cross officials in Jabalia, northern Gaza.
Before her release, footage showed Berger on a stage surrounded by masked Hamas members in green headbands, as she was prompted to wave to onlookers.
Freed Hostages Return to Israel
Israel’s military confirmed that all three Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals had returned to Israeli territory. The freed Israelis were identified as Gadi Moses, 80, and Arbel Yehud, 29, both of whom also hold German citizenship.
Netanyahu’s office named the released Thai hostages as Watchara Sriaoun, Pongsak Tanna, Sathian Suwannakham, Surasak Lamnau, and Bannawat Saethao.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her relief, stating she was “elated” that they had been freed.
In Khan Yunis, devastated by the ongoing conflict, dense crowds gathered near the childhood home of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar to catch a glimpse of Yehud and Moses before their release.
