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Release of hostages from Hamas captivity
Israel and Hamas began a hostage exchange, but it was halted due to chaos during the release.
Israel has suspended the release of Palestinian prisoners after chaos erupted during the handover of Israeli hostages to the Red Cross, The Times of Israel reported on Thursday, January 30.
The Israel Prisons Authority has been instructed by authorities to halt the release of Palestinian prisoners as part of today's exchange with Hamas.
The Palestinian prisoners were already on buses and had left the prison grounds when the exchange was suspended.
Israel made the decision after footage of the release of Israeli hostages was shown online. During the process, masked men with rifles led Israeli hostages in groups to buses of the International Committee of the Red Cross. A crowd of Palestinians also pushed the buses. The footage was in sharp contrast to previous releases of Hamas hostages earlier on Thursday and last Saturday, which were held under tight security. At that time, the crowd of people were outside the established perimeter.
"This is further proof of the unfathomable cruelty of the terrorist organization Hamas," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Israeli Prime Minister and Defense Minister are demanding guarantees from Hamas that the release of further hostages will take place in a safe environment.
Hamas handed over eight hostages to Israel today. Among them are three Israelis and five Thai citizens. In return, 110 Palestinian prisoners were to be released from Israeli prisons. Among them is Hamas activist and terrorist mastermind Muhammad Abu Warda, who was sentenced to 48 life sentences.
As a reminder, on January 17, Israel and Hamas signed a ceasefire agreement. And two days later, the first hostage exchange took place.
Korrespondent.net
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