Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blasted the “horrific” scenes during the chaotic hostage handover in Gaza — as the Jewish state then delayed the release of more than 100 Palestinian prisoners that were scheduled to be swapped in response.
“I view with great severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages,” Netanyahu fumed. “This is further proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organization.”
The leader demanded that mediators “ensure that such horrific scenes do not occur again” in future exchanges — and threatened retaliation if any captives were harmed.
The release of three Israeli and five Thai hostages, who had been held in Hamas’ custody for more than 481 days, was delayed by a screaming crowd of Palestinians who surrounded and jeered at them, pushing and shoving to get closer, video shows.
According to the terms of the 42-day cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas, Israel was expected to release 110 Palestinian prisoners on Thursday — however Israeli officials said they were withholding their release.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, have ordered the delay in the release of the terrorists scheduled to be released today – until the safe exit of our hostages is guaranteed in the next few days,” the prime minister’s spokesperson, Omer Dostri, said in a statement.
An Egyptian official confirmed that the Palestinian prisoners would be released later Thursday, around 5 p.m. local time, CNN reported.
Hours after the first hostage, female Israeli soldier Agam Berger was released in northern Gaza, chaos erupted as thousands of Palestinians encircled the handover site in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis – just outside of the destroyed home of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Hundreds of militants from Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad group showed up in force and thousands of people gathered to watch, with some standing on the roofs of destroyed homes to catch a glimpse.
Hostage soldier Arbel Yehoud, 29, appeared terrified as she was walked by several gunmen through a large mob — many trying to take pictures, video shows.
Many in the crowd shouted and surrounded Yehoud as masked militants pushed people away and escorted her through.
The Red Cross was delayed as the organization’s vehicle inched through the crowds. Israel officials later confirmed they had been transferred.
The third Israeli hostage released was Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old man. Five Thai nationals were also freed, but have not been officially identified.
Berger, 19, was among 5 soldiers in Hamas captivity kidnapped in the Oct. 7 attacks. Hamas freed four of her colleagues last week.
The IDF released video of the moment Berger was handed back into Israeli hands, breaking down into tears the second she stepped out of the Red Cross vehicle and was comforted by a medical officer.
She was then brought to Rabin Medical Center for a medical check where she finally embraced her parents, Shlomi and Meravi, in an emotional reunion, video from the Times of Israel shows.
“We’re here and we’ll never leave you again — forever,” Merav tells her daughter. “That’s a mother’s promise.”
She was also greeted by the four fellow female IDF soldiers who were freed on Saturday.
With Post Wires
