Israel Releases 110 Palestinian Prisoners Amid Hostage Deal, Following Chaotic Khan Younis Handover

The prisoner exchange follows delays, with Israel insisting on security guarantees for future hostage releases.

Jerusalem, January 31: Israel has released 110 Palestinian prisoners as part of an ongoing ceasefire-hostage deal, following security assurances from mediators, Al Jazeera reported.

The prisoner release took place after the Israeli military confirmed the return of three Israeli hostages (one male, two female) and five Thai nationals.

Israel Delayed Release, Demanding Safe Passage for Future Hostages

Initially, Israel had refused to release Palestinian prisoners, citing concerns over the safe return of hostages in future exchanges.

“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, together with Defense Minister Israel Katz, has ordered that the release of the terrorists slated to be released today be delayed until the safe exit of our hostages in the next phases is assured,” the Israeli PM’s Office stated.

About an hour later, Israel confirmed that mediators had provided the necessary security guarantees, allowing the exchange to proceed.

“The mediators have conveyed a commitment, according to which the safe exit of our hostages who are due to be released in the next phases has been assured,” the PMO added.

Hostage Release Marred by Tense, Chaotic Moments

The handover of Israeli hostages in Khan Younis was marked by disturbing scenes, as described by The Times of Israel:

🔹 Arbel Yehoud, an Israeli hostage, was forced to walk through a hostile crowd from an Islamic Jihad vehicle to a Red Cross vehicle.
🔹 Vehicles carrying the hostages struggled to move through dense crowds and wailing sirens.
🔹 Hundreds of heavily armed, masked gunmen surrounded the scene, attempting to clear onlookers.

Background: Deadly Conflict & Previous Hostage Releases

🔺 Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel killed over 1,200 people and resulted in over 200 hostages being taken.
🔺 Israel’s military response in Gaza has led to the deaths of over 46,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.
🔺 Over 100 hostages were previously freed during a weeklong ceasefire in November 2023.

With tensions still running high, the next phases of the hostage exchange will be closely monitored, as both sides weigh their next moves in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.