Hostage Exchange in Gaza Marred by Disorder, Leading to Postponed Prisoner Transfers

On January 30, 2025, Hamas released three Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals in Gaza, but the expected release of Palestinian prisoners was delayed following chaotic scenes at one of the handover points. Crowds surrounded the captives, creating a tense and dangerous situation, especially as armed militants escorted them to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.

Among those freed were Israeli nationals Ms Arbel Yehud, 29, and Mr Gadi Moses, 80, alongside five Thai workers who had been employed on Israeli farms near Gaza. Yehud, abducted during the October 7 Hamas assault on Israel, appeared visibly distressed, struggling to navigate through the throngs of people. The mother of one of the Thai nationals, anxiously watching the scene on a live stream, pleaded for her son’s safe release.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the chaotic scenes, warning that anyone who harmed the hostages would face severe consequences. He called for mediation to prevent such disruptions from occurring again.

The delay in the Palestinian prisoner release was due to the disorderly handover. An Israeli official revealed that buses transporting Palestinian detainees were turned back to prisons as a result. The Palestinian prisoners, including minors and individuals involved in deadly attacks against Israel, had been scheduled for transfer to the West Bank or Gaza.

Earlier in northern Gaza, Israeli soldier Ms Agam Berger was handed over in a similarly tense exchange, walking through a narrow alley amid the rubble of bombed buildings. Her family expressed relief but emphasised that the recovery process would only be complete once all hostages were returned. A video released by Netanyahu’s office showed an emotional reunion between Berger and her mother.

Netanyahu has faced criticism for not securing a hostage deal sooner after the October attack, which left around 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 hostages taken. In response to the Hamas assault, Israel’s military operations have claimed the lives of over 47,000 Palestinians and caused widespread devastation across Gaza.

While a ceasefire agreement has resulted in the release of some hostages, Israel continues to target Hamas leaders and militants across the region. The ongoing conflict has led to severe shortages of essential supplies for the 2.3 million people living in Gaza, and the situation remains dire.

Israel still has 89 captives in Gaza, with around 30 declared dead. Following recent military actions, Israel has also intensified operations in the West Bank, targeting militants there.