Synopsis
On January 30, Hamas released eight hostages in Gaza, including three Israelis and five Thais. In contrast, Israel delayed the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners, citing disorder during the handover process. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for better safety measures for hostages in future exchanges.Key Takeaways
- Hamas released eight hostages, including three Israelis and five Thais.
- Israel postponed the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners.
- Agam Berger, a 20-year-old Israeli soldier, was among the first released.
- Chaotic scenes marked the handover, prompting criticism from Netanyahu.
- Netanyahu called for improved safety for hostages in future releases.
Jerusalem, Jan 30 (NationPress) In a significant development, Palestinian militants in Gaza, under the leadership of Hamas, have released eight hostages, comprising three Israelis and five Thais, on Thursday. However, Israel has postponed the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners that was part of an agreed swap during the ongoing temporary ceasefire, citing chaotic scenes during the handover.
The hostages were freed in two separate groups. The first to be released was Agam Berger, a 20-year-old Israeli soldier. A video captured her, dressed in a khaki uniform, emerging from damaged structures in Jabalia, northern Gaza, being escorted by Hamas militants, before making her way to a Red Cross vehicle. She was subsequently transported to a facility outside Gaza to reunite with her parents.
In a later handover in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, two additional Israelis, Arbel Yahoud, 29, and Gadi Mozes, 80, together with the five Thai nationals, were turned over to the Red Cross.
Footage revealed chaotic scenes as hundreds of Gazans gathered, with militants struggling to manage the crowd and ensure a clear path for the hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the shocking scenes and urged international mediators to ensure the safety of hostages in future releases.
The Israeli military identified the Thai hostages as Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak. These individuals were farm workers who were abducted from southern Israel during the attack on October 7 that initiated the war.
The military reported that the seven hostages crossed into Israel and underwent medical evaluations. The Israelis reunited with their families, while the Thais were greeted by Thai officials, according to the Xinhua news agency.
Soon after the release of the seven hostages, Netanyahu's office announced that the release of the Palestinian prisoners would be delayed “until the safe departure of our hostages in the upcoming phases is assured.” Reports indicated that buses transporting Palestinian prisoners were instructed to return.
Hamas stated that it was in communication with mediators to “compel” Israel to release the prisoners.
