Gaza/Tel Aviv, January 30 – Hamas released three Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals in Gaza on Thursday as part of a negotiated exchange. However, Israel delayed the expected release of 110 Palestinian prisoners following chaotic scenes at a handover point, where large crowds swarmed the captives.
Among those freed was Gadi Moses, 80, along with five Thai agricultural workers who were taken hostage during the October 7 Hamas attack. The Israeli military confirmed the release, while the mother of one Thai hostage, anxiously watching a livestream from Udon Thani province, expressed relief as her son was safely returned.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the chaotic handover, calling the sight of captives surrounded by crowds "shocking", and warned that "anyone harming hostages will face death." He urged mediators to prevent such incidents from recurring in future exchanges.
Delays in Palestinian Prisoner Release
Israel was set to release 110 Palestinian detainees, including 30 minors and convicted members of Palestinian factions responsible for past attacks, as part of the phased ceasefire agreement that halted hostilities earlier this month. However, an Israeli official involved in the operation stated that buses carrying the prisoners were instructed to return to detention facilities in response to the disorderly handover in Gaza.
Earlier in Jabalia, northern Gaza, Israeli soldier Agam Berger was led through a war-ravaged alley before being handed over to the Red Cross. Her family expressed gratitude, stating, "Now Agam and our family can begin the healing process, but the recovery will not be complete until all hostages return home." Footage released by Netanyahu’s office showed Berger visibly emotional, crying while sitting on her mother’s lap.
Hamas' Resilience and Regional Implications
Despite 15 months of Israeli bombardment, Hamas continues to maintain a strong presence in Gaza. The assassination of Yahya Al-Sinwar, a top Hamas leader, has been portrayed as a significant blow to the group. However, senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri dismissed the impact, stating, "The killing of leaders only strengthens the people’s resolve."
The hostage exchange near Sinwar’s destroyed residence in Khan Younis highlighted the ongoing struggle between Israel and Hamas. Meanwhile, Israel’s military campaign has expanded beyond Gaza, with intensified operations in the West Bank and targeted strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon—part of a broader strategy to weaken Iran’s network of regional proxies.
Humanitarian Impact and Ongoing Crisis
The October 7 Hamas attack, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of over 250 hostages, remains the deadliest assault on Jews since the Holocaust. In response, Israel’s military offensive has killed over 47,000 Palestinians, decimating infrastructure and leaving 2.3 million people in Gaza facing extreme shortages of medicine, food, and fuel.
As hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans attempt to return home, many find their neighborhoods uninhabitable, with basic necessities scarce. Meanwhile, Israel continues to list 82 captives still in Gaza, with 30 declared dead in absentia.
Future of the Ceasefire Deal
While the temporary ceasefire has facilitated the return of some hostages, questions remain about the sustainability of the truce and whether further negotiations can bring an end to hostilities. As international mediators work to prevent further escalations, families of captives in Israel and Palestine anxiously await the next steps in this ongoing conflict.
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