The release of more than 100 Palestinian prisoners as laid out in the Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal had been in doubt after crowds in southern Gaza surrounded hostages who were being freed.The New York Times reports that on Jan. 30, 2025 at 10:33 p.m. in Jerusalem, Israel, the release of more than 100 Palestinian prisoners was in doubt after a chaotic handover of hostages by Hamas in Gaza. The handover, which was part of a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas, was supposed to include the release of eight Israeli and Thai hostages who had been held captive for a year.
The first handover in northern Gaza went relatively smoothly, but in the southern city of Khan Younis, the scene turned chaotic as crowds of people, some chanting support for Hamas and other armed groups, surrounded the hostages. This led to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suspending the release of the prisoners until guarantees were secured from Hamas for the safe exit of the remaining hostages in future rounds.
After mediation from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, guarantees were given for the safe passage of the hostages in future releases. As a result, 110 Palestinian prisoners were seen leaving the Ofer prison in the West Bank. Among the prisoners released was Zakaria Zubeidi, a prominent Palestinian militant who rose to fame during the Second Intifada.
The release of the prisoners and hostages was met with celebrations in Tel Aviv, particularly in “Hostage Square,” where the third round of releases took place. The hostages, including Israeli Arbel Yehud and Thai Watchara Sriaoun, were reunited with their families and friends after 15 months of captivity in Gaza.
The chaotic handover and subsequent suspension of the prisoner release highlights the delicate nature of the cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas. The release of prisoners was a key part of the agreement, but the events in Khan Younis serve as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in maintaining peace in the region.
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