Israel is set to release 110 Palestinian prisoners in return for five Thai and three Israeli hostages, who were freed from Gaza mere hours before the exchange. This prisoner-for-hostage swap marks the third round of such exchanges as a fragile ceasefire, which aims to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, continues into its second week.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the chaotic scenes that unfolded as the hostages were escorted through a throng of spectators by armed militants. He stated he would delay the release of this round of Palestinian prisoners until he received assurances from U.S. and Arab mediators about the safe future release of hostages. Following these discussions, he confirmed he received such guarantees.
The tenuous truce is focused on ending hostilities in Gaza and facilitating the release of numerous hostages held by Hamas, alongside hundreds of Palestinians detained or imprisoned by Israel.
In related news, a mother’s joy in Thailand is palpable as she watches her son, Surasak Rumnao, freed from captivity in Gaza. Khammee Lamnao expressed her overwhelming happiness, watching the moment unfold via a Facebook livestream from her home in Udon Thani. She had been anxiously awaiting updates since the morning hours of Thursday. When her son was finally released, she was too ecstatic to eat, remarking on her son’s changed appearance before expressing her wishes for a ceremonial Buddhist ordination upon his return.
In the West Bank, tensions erupted near Ofer prison as families awaited the freed prisoners. Palestinian youths clashed with Israeli soldiers, hurling stones as the military responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd. Amidst the chaos, one of the released prisoners, Zakaria Zubeidi, was spotted signaling a victory with his hand, despite the fracas.
The planned release of Palestinian prisoners saw a convoy of buses exiting Ofer prison, making their way towards Beitunah, where relatives awaited joyful reunions. Netanyahu had initially obstructed the release due to the tumultuous handover of hostages in Gaza earlier in the day. Ultimately, 110 Palestinian prisoners are set to be exchanged for five Thai and three Israeli hostages freed mere hours earlier.
The five freed Thai nationals are reported to be in good health, according to a spokesperson from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The men, aged between 27 and 36, are expected to return to their homeland within ten days, pending medical assessments and completion of necessary documentation. The Thai government updates reveal that of the 46 nationals previously affected, 28 have been released while two are confirmed deceased, leaving one remaining hostage in limbo.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu indicated that mediators have guaranteed the secure release of hostages in future exchanges, paving the path for simultaneous releases of Palestinian prisoners. Despite not providing confirmation, Israeli media indicated that such events would take place later in the day.
Further, Israel’s president conveyed gratitude towards the Thai government for its assistance ahead of the release. The Thai hostages had been captured during the Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. President Isaac Herzog expressed the deep sentiments felt by the Israeli populace regarding the delivered safety of the Thai captives and reiterated Israel’s commitment to secure the release of remaining hostages.
Responding to the chaotic transfer of hostages, Netanyahu expressed frustration and insisted on assurances from mediators that such alarming scenes would not recur, emphasizing the necessity for hostages to be safely released in future operations.
As several Israeli hostages, including Agam Berger who had just been freed from Gaza, were celebrated at military bases and hospitals, scenes unfolded reminiscent of disbelief and joy among families. Netanyahu condemned the tumultuous scenes witnessed during the hostage transfers, promising to hold mediators accountable to ensure safe conditions in future exchanges.
The Israeli Red Cross confirmed the retrieval of additional hostages, with officials expressing concern over the disarray during their handover. Complaints were filed regarding the chaotic circumstances surrounding the release process, while a former soldier’s unsuccessful return due to ongoing disputes and crowded scenes hampered orderly operations.
Spotting those released on video, the returning hostages included Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Moses, among others, with a blend of emotions and reactions from family and friends witnessing the events unfold on their screens. Meanwhile, the Thai ambassador expressed collective hopes for the safe return of their citizens, highlighting that many Thai nationals continue working in Israel despite the conflict.
Amid ongoing geopolitical issues, discussions in other regions saw the Emir of Qatar meeting with Syria’s new interim leader, reinforcing Qatar’s commitment to providing economic support. On another front, Israel reported that they intercepted a Hezbollah drone, amidst continuous tensions in the region following historical ceasefire agreements.
This release marks a significant moment amid ongoing discussions about future hostilities as the situation remains complex, with numerous parties involved and the humane treatment of all hostages remaining paramount.
