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Israel delays Palestinian prisoner release after Israeli captives freed

January 30, 2025 at 1:24 pm

Preparations for the release of Palestinian prisoners continue at Ofer Prison located between Ramallah and Jerusalem, on January 30, 2025 [Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency]

Israel has delayed the expected release of Palestinians from its prisoners as per the terms of the ceasefire deal following the release of Israeli captives from Gaza.

Arbel Yehud, 29, Gadi Moses, 80, and five Thai nationals were released in Khan Yunis, while Israeli soldier Agam Berger was led through a narrow alley between heavily damaged buildings and over piles of rubble in Jabalia in northern Gaza before being handed to the Red Cross.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the sight of their handover amid the crowds was shocking and threatened death to anyone hurting hostages. He urged mediators to ensure the scene would not be repeated.

A total of 110 Palestinian prisoners were expected to be freed today as part of the phased agreement that halted Israel’s genocidal bombing campaign in the shattered coastal territory on 19 January. An Israeli official involved in the operation said buses carrying the detainees had been instructed to return to prisons.

READ: 10 Palestinians killed in Israel airstrike in West Bank