Israel suspends release of Palestinian prisoners

The Israeli Prisons Authority has been instructed by the authorities to halt the release of Palestinian prisoners as part of today's exchange with Hamas.

Israel made this decision after footage of the release of Israeli hostages was shown online. During the process, a crowd in the Gaza Strip surrounded the hostages, who were being led to the International Committee of the Red Cross buses. Palestinians also attacked the Red Cross buses.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that it was yet another proof of the incomprehensible cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organization.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog also criticized the scenes of chaos that were observed during the hostage transfer.

The Israeli Prime Minister and Defense Minister demanded that Hamas guarantee that the next hostages will be released in a safe environment.

According to the Israel News, the Palestinian prisoners were already in the buses and had left the prison when the exchange was suspended.

Today, January 30, Hamas handed over eight hostages to Israel. Among them are three Israelis and five Thai citizens. In return, 110 Palestinian prisoners were to be released from Israeli prisons. Among them is Muhammad Abu Warda, a Hamas activist and organizer of terrorist attacks. He received 48 life sentences.

Agreement between Israel and Hamas

On January 15, Israel and the Hamas group reached an agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages. The United States, Qatar, and Egypt mediated between the warring parties.

After receiving the list of hostages to be released first, Israel declared a truce in the Gaza Strip.

Despite some delays, the first Israeli hostages were released on January 19. Israel, in turn, released 90 Palestinian prisoners.