Hamas frees 8 hostages in Gaza, Israel delays prisoner release

Three prisoners released from Gaza: Gadi Moses Mozes, Arbel Yehoud, and Agam Berger | Photo: AFP

Hamas has released eight hostages, including three Israeli citizens, in the third phase of a negotiated exchange in Gaza. However, at the last moment, Israel postponed the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners, citing security concerns. 

The first to be released was Israeli military observer Agam Berger (20), followed by civilians Arbel Yehoud (29) and Gadi Moshe Mozes (80). In addition to these three, five Thai nationals working as laborers in Israel were also freed by Hamas, despite them not being part of the official Gaza-Israel ceasefire deal.

In return, Israel was set to release 110 Palestinian detainees, including children, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a delay. The Palestinian prisoners were already being transported but were returned to prison. 

According to Israeli officials, the hostage release deal was paused because mediators had not provided security guarantees for the freed Israelis.

The decision came after Hamas freed Arbel Yehud in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza. Large crowds of Palestinians reportedly gathered during the handover, which angered Netanyahu. He later indefinitely suspended the planned release of Palestinian prisoners.

Netanyahu's move has sparked allegations that he is trying to undermine the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement. Some fear that after 42 days of ceasefire, Israel may resume military operations in Gaza.

The truce between Israel and Hamas began on January 19, leading to a phased exchange of detainees. So far, Hamas has freed seven Israeli female soldiers in exchange for more than 290 Palestinian prisoners. However, with the latest delay, tensions continue to rise in the region.