Chaotic Release of Hostages

Eight more hostages were released today, three Israelis and five Thai agricultural workers. Agam Berger, a 20-year-old surveillance soldier in the Israel Defence Forces, was released by Hamas in another staged event in the north of the Gaza Strip.

But the two Israeli civilians, 29-year-old Arbel Yehoud and 80-year-old Gadi Mozes, along with the five Thais, were released by Palestinian Islamic Jihad in a chaotic and dangerous situation in the south.

The handover took place outside the destroyed home of Yahya Sinwar, with the hostages surrounded by dozens of masked gunmen who had to force their way through large, seething crowds of Palestinians – many of whom seemed to be trying to take photos of them.

Video footage shows clearly that Arbel was greatly distressed as the gunmen struggled to force their way through the crowd.

Afterwards, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he viewed “with utmost severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages.” And later in the day he delayed the release of Palestinian prisoners until the safe exit of hostages in the next phases was assured, demanding that the ceasefire mediators ensure this will happen.

President Isaac Herzog once again captured the mood of the nation with his comments, saying

“While the scenes of abuse and terror towards the hostages as they were transferred to the Red Cross were horrifying,
we are moved to tears by the return from captivity of Agam Berger, Arbel Yehoud, and Gadi Mozes,
along with the five Thai citizens released today.”

He went on to say they had “endured hell with unparalleled bravery,” and that Israel would not rest and not be silent “until every one of our sisters and brothers have been returned from captivity in Gaza. Till the last one returns!”