The Israeli government has decided to postpone the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners, which was scheduled for January 30, as a sign of protest due to the chaotic events that occurred during the previous hostage delivery in Gaza to the Red Cross. This measure was taken by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who expressed that the release would be delayed until the security of their hostages could be guaranteed during future exchanges.
During the previous delivery, which involved Israeli and Thai hostages, scenes of chaos unfolded as thousands of Gazans surrounded the captives, causing a disorder that forced the Palestinian militants to form a human shield around the hostages. Confirming that the hostages had been delivered to the Red Cross became a difficult task due to the tense situation.
The President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, described the scenes as "horrible" and demanded guarantees from the mediators that threatening situations would not be repeated in the future. The families of the hostages also expressed their anguish over what happened and requested that everything possible be done to ensure the protection of their loved ones.
Despite the delay in the prisoners' release, it remains uncertain whether this will affect the six-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, an organization designated as a terrorist group by several countries. The release was expected to take place after the return of the three Israeli hostages and five Thais from Gaza, who are already in Israeli territory reuniting with their families.
The delivery of the hostages was marked by moments of tension, especially in the case of Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses, as well as the Thai workers, where security was a concern. Currently, the eight hostages are in Israel, holding a reunion with their loved ones after 482 days of unimaginable suffering.
