Hamas released three Israelis and five Thai hostages in Gaza on Thursday, but the handover process was marred by chaos, leading Israel to delay the planned release of 110 Palestinian prisoners. The hostages, including Arbel Yehud, 29, who was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz in the October 7 attack, and Gadi Moses, 80, were handed over in Khan Younis, with Yehud struggling to walk through the crowd of onlookers. The chaotic scenes prompted Israeli officials to postpone the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the delay to prioritize the safety of future hostages’ handovers. One of the Thai hostagesβ family members anxiously watched the event unfold via livestream. Meanwhile, Israeli soldier Agam Berger, captured during the October 7 assault, was also released and reunited with her family. Netanyahu condemned the disorder during the handover, stressing that anyone harming a hostage would face severe consequences.
Though Israel has faced military setbacks, including the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Al-Sinwar, Hamas remains entrenched in Gaza. Despite these challenges, the release of Palestinian prisoners, including minors and convicted militants, proceeded later, with plans to transfer them to Gaza or the West Bank.