Middle East Crisis Ceasefire

Israel releases prisoners – despite reports to the contrary

The Palestinian prisoners whose release was postponed by Israel earlier today have regained their freedom in the West Bank. This is reported by AFP's correspondent in the area.

It was earlier today that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the prisoners would not be released, after what he described as chaotic scenes in connection with the release of the Israeli hostage.

The statement drew harsh criticism from Hamas, which claimed that the mediators should act.

Hamas: Israel breaks the agreement – ​​mediators must act

A Hamas spokesman calls on the mediators to act. This after Israel announced that it will not release 110 Palestinian prisoners today. This is reported by several media.

Israel had said earlier in the day that the release was paused due to chaotic scenes in connection with the release of Israeli and Thai hostages by Hamas earlier today.

According to Reuters, Hamas has been informed by the International Committee of the Red Cross that Israel will release the Palestinian prisoners later on Thursday. The information has not been confirmed by either Hamas or Israel.

Israel postpones release of Palestinian prisoners

Israel is postponing the release of Palestinian prisoners, writes AFP, referring to “military radio”. This is stated to apply “until further notice”.

According to Reuters, it is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who says that the release of Palestinians should be postponed until the hostages can be guaranteed a safe handover.

The eight hostages released from Gaza earlier today are now on Israeli territory, according to the Israeli military. According to the agreement, 110 Palestinian prisoners are to be released in connection with the release of eight hostages.

The five Thai citizens who have been released are Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakhan, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat and Rumnao Surasak. Thai officials are to meet them at a base near Gaza.

The Israeli hostages released are Arbel Yehoud, 29, and Agam Berger, 20, and Gadi Moses, 80.