Israel Releases Palestinian Prisoners After Tense Hostage Transfer
Israel has released a new batch of Palestinian prisoners following a temporary delay prompted by disorder during the previous hostage handover.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the chaotic scenes as “shocking” and issued a stern warning, stating that anyone harming hostages would face severe consequences.
Netanyahu’s office later confirmed that mediators had assured Israel of safer conditions for future exchanges.
“The safe exit of our hostages must be guaranteed,” Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized, justifying their decision to briefly suspend the prisoner release.
By Thursday evening, buses carrying some of the 110 Palestinian detainees arrived in Ramallah, where large crowds had gathered to welcome them.
However, the celebrations turned violent when Israeli forces reportedly fired on the crowd, injuring at least 14 Palestinians with live ammunition, rubber bullets, and tear gas, according to Palestinian health officials. Israel has yet to comment on the incident.
Meanwhile, some freed detainees from East Jerusalem have returned home, while others, destined for Gaza or deportation to Egypt, were still en route to their destinations.
The prisoner releases are part of a phased agreement that recently paused hostilities in the devastated coastal enclave.
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Israel Releases Palestinian Prisoners After Tense Hostage Transfer
