Delays and Tensions Surround Palestinian Prisoner Release in Israel

January 31, 2025

12:57 PM

Reading time: 3 minutes


The scheduled release of Palestinian prisoners from Ofer Prison on Thursday was delayed for several hours before being halted completely at the last moment. While prisoners had already boarded buses and were preparing to leave the facility, the Israeli government intervened after the chaotic release of seven hostages earlier in the day, calling for the delay.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz gave the order to postpone the prisoner release until the safe exit of Israeli hostages could be ensured. According to Netanyahu's spokesperson, Israel is demanding that mediators guarantee the safety of the hostages before proceeding with the planned release of the prisoners.

The delay comes amid intense negotiations and the fragile nature of ceasefire agreements, with the hostages' security remaining the primary concern for Israeli authorities. The day saw significant events as hostages including Arbel Yehoud, Gadi Moses, and five Thai nationals were released from Gaza and transferred into Israeli territory by security forces.

The hostages' release took place under tense conditions in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, where they were surrounded by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants as well as a crowd of local civilians. Prior to the transfer, a video released by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group showed hostages Moses and Yehoud.

This sequence of events highlights the delicate balance between negotiations and security concerns, with Israeli officials prioritizing the safety of its citizens while trying to adhere to the terms of ceasefire agreements.

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