Jerusalem (Web Desk): The Israeli government has begun releasing 110 Palestinian prisoners after a delay on Thursday, following the release of three Israeli citizens and five Thai nationals who had been held in Gaza.
Two buses departed from Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank, carrying the Palestinian detainees after Israel received assurances from mediators about the safe return of captives.
This exchange, initially planned for Thursday, was delayed after chaotic scenes occurred during the handover process.
The release involved 110 prisoners, including 30 minors, in return for the three Israelis, one of whom had been kidnapped during the October 7 attack by Hamas.
Among those released were Arbel Yehud, 29, a woman abducted during the attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz, and Gadi Moses, 80, as well as five Thai workers captured while employed on Israeli farms.
The handover in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza, was marked by tension and confusion. Yehud struggled to make her way through a crowd of onlookers while armed militants escorted her to the Red Cross. This disorder led Israel to delay the scheduled release of Palestinian prisoners.
Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz, ordered the postponement to ensure future exchanges would proceed smoothly and safely for hostages.
During the release, the family of one of the Thai workers anxiously followed the livestream, particularly Wiwwaro Sriaoun, a mother watching from Thailand, who prayed for her son’s safe return.
Netanyahu condemned the disorderly handover and warned that anyone who jeopardized the safety of hostages would face severe consequences. He called on mediators to prevent further such disruptions.
In a separate development, Israeli soldier Agam Berger, captured in the October 7 assault, was also freed and reunited with her family in an emotional scene.
A video of the reunion was shared by Netanyahu's office. Despite the setback in military efforts, such as the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Al-Sinwar, Hamas continues to hold its ground in Gaza.
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri argued that the deaths of their leaders only served to strengthen their resolve.