Hamas released three Israeli and five Thai hostages in Gaza on Thursday; however, Israel postponed the anticipated release of Palestinian prisoners following chaotic events at one of the handover locations, where large crowds gathered around the captives.
Arbel Yehoud, 29, who was taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, appeared frightened and struggled to navigate through the throng as armed militants transferred her to the Red Cross in a tense situation in the southern city of Khan Younis.
Another Israeli hostage, Gadi Moses, 80, was also freed alongside five Thai nationals employed on Israeli farms near Gaza, as reported by the Israeli military, when the militants breached the border fence.
The mother of one of the Thai hostages anxiously observed a livestream of the event from her home in the northeastern Udon Thani province.
“Please, let my son walk out now, I want to see his face,” Wiwwaro Sriaoun, 53, expressed as the footage on her phone displayed a vehicle moving slowly through the crowd.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the sight of their handover amid the swarming crowds was shocking and threatened death to anyone hurting hostages. He urged mediators to ensure the scene would not be repeated.
110 Palestinian prisoners expected to be freed
A total of 110 Palestinian prisoners were expected to be freed on Thursday as part of the phased agreement that halted fighting in the shattered coastal territory earlier this month. An Israeli official involved in the operation said buses carrying the detainees had been instructed to return to prisons in an apparent response to the chaotic handover.
Earlier, in Jabalia in northern Gaza, an Israeli soldier, Agam Berger, wearing an olive green uniform, was led through a narrow alley between heavily damaged buildings and over piles of rubble before being handed to the Red Cross.
“Our daughter is strong, faithful, and brave,” a statement from her family said. “Now Agam and our family can begin the healing process, but the recovery will not be complete until all the hostages return home.”