Jerusalem: Israel halted the planned release of Palestinian prisoners on Thursday after militants in Gaza freed three Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals under chaotic circumstances. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered a postponement of the prisoner release until the safe departure of the hostages could be guaranteed in future phases of the exchange, Netanyahu's office announced.
Previously, Israel had planned to release 110 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 minors, in exchange for the hostages, according to the Palestinian Prisoners' Club. A source from Hamas confirmed they were working with mediators to ensure the release of these prisoners as part of a broader ceasefire agreement brokered on January 19 to end the war in Gaza. Later, Israel confirmed it had received guarantees from mediators regarding the "safe release" of captives in the future.
The planned prisoner exchange had been set to continue on Saturday, with three Israeli men expected to be freed. The delay in the release followed the return of the three Israeli hostages and five Thais, who had been captured during Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Netanyahu condemned the scenes during the handover of the hostages in Khan Yunis, calling them "shocking" and accusing Hamas of cruelty. TV footage showed gunmen struggling to control the crowds of Gazans witnessing the release.
The first person released was Israeli soldier Agam Berger, 20, who was handed over separately to the International Committee of the Red Cross in northern Gaza. Before her release, she appeared on stage with masked Hamas fighters, waving to onlookers. The two other Israelis freed were Gadi Moses, 80, and Arbel Yehud, 29, both also holding German nationality. In addition to the Israelis, five Thais—Watchara Sriaoun, Pongsak Tanna, Sathian Suwannakham, Surasak Lamnau, and Bannawat Saethao—were released, a development that thrilled Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
In the devastated city of Khan Yunis, dense crowds gathered to witness the release of Moses and Yehud. Moses' family expressed their joy upon hearing the news of his return, saying they were "elated" after a long wait.
The ongoing ceasefire, which took effect on January 19, relies on the release of Israeli hostages and the reciprocal freeing of approximately 1,900 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Prior to Thursday, Hamas had released seven hostages, and 290 prisoners had been freed in exchange.
The delay in the prisoner releases led to frustration among around 300 Palestinians in Ramallah, waiting for the return of their relatives. One woman, Raghed Nasser, 21, expressed her exhaustion and frustration, recounting how her father had been jailed 22 years ago when she was an infant.
While the ceasefire has allowed for a flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, senior Hamas officials have accused Israel of obstructing aid, citing shortages of critical supplies such as fuel and heavy machinery. However, Israel's COGAT defense body rejected these claims as false.
The ceasefire, which is in its first 42-day phase, is expected to see 33 hostages freed, though the Thai hostages are not part of that count. US President Donald Trump, who has claimed responsibility for securing the ceasefire agreement, met with Netanyahu in Israel on Wednesday, and Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the White House on February 4.
Trump has also suggested plans for the future of Gaza, including proposals to relocate Palestinians to neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan. Both Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II have rejected these suggestions.
As of this week, more than 376,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza, though many face the harsh reality of returning to homes reduced to rubble. One resident, Mohammed Al-Faleh, described his destruction and the severe lack of basic necessities like water, gas, and electricity.
In a further diplomatic move, Israel severed ties with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) on Thursday, accusing it of providing support to Hamas. This decision is likely to complicate the delivery of essential services to Gaza. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the reversal of Israel's decision.