New Delhi: Israel released more than 110 Palestinian prisoners — including some convicted of deadly attacks against Israelis — after a temporary delay as a chaotic handover of hostages held in Gaza cast shadow on the ceasefire aimed at ending the conflict.
In the third round of hostage-prisoner exchanges, Hamas on Thursday released Israeli soldier Agam Berger, two other Israeli hostages, Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses, as well as five Thai captives. But the chaotic nature of the handover of two of the Israelis angered Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and he delayed the exchange of Palestinian prisoners until later in the day.
In the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, there were chaotic scenes as 29-year-old and an 80-year-old man made their way through crowds of people, including some chanting support for Hamas and other armed groups. They were released in front of the destroyed home of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind of October 7, 2023, attack.
In Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, Israelis watched in shock as hostages faced jeers, but later rejoiced at their freedom.
According to BBC News, Hamas is making every round of hostage releases in Gaza a more grandiose spectacle, showing off their power and degrading their adversary.
Israel reacted angrily to the chaotic handover, halting the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners and relented after mediators, including U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, worked to uphold the deal.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned against putting Israeli hostages at risk. “During the release of our hostages today, we all saw shocking sights. We made it clear to the mediators that we are not willing to accept any risk to our hostages,” Netanyahu said in a statement released by his office.
“We will not accept violations of the agreement,” he added.
Following the condemnation, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said the “security” of future hostage releases in Gaza “must be assured”.
It was further alleged that the Hamas manipulated the process, delaying the agreed-upon exchange of hostage and prisoner lists. “Protocol became a bigger issue as Hamas’s theatrics grew,” mediators noted.
During Saturday’s release of four female soldiers, Hamas staged the event, dressing them in green uniforms and making them wave and smile. Red Cross officials sat formally before them, mimicking a state ceremony.
With Israel’s military largely withdrawn, “there is little Israel can do to stop Hamas from parading hostages,” said analyst Hugh Lovatt to WSJ.
