Chaos at hostage release prompts Israel to pause exchange

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu halted the freeing of over 100 Palestinian prisoners on Thursday in response to a mob scene that erupted as Hamas released Israeli hostages. Video footage appeared to show hostages fighting through a rowdy crowd of civilians and masked militants at a release site in Khan Younis.

Mediators must guarantee such shocking scenes do not reoccur, Netanyahu ordered. Israel will not release the Palestinian prisoners as agreed upon in the ceasefire deal until mediators guarantee safe exits for Israel’s hostages, he wrote in another statement Thursday.

What hostages were included in the chaotic release? Hamas returned seven hostages on Thursday, including two Israeli citizens and five Thai nationals, according to the prime minister’s office. The seven people will be treated at hospitals before reuniting with family, the Israel Defense Forces said. Separately, Hamas also released Israel Defense Force soldier Agam Berger earlier the same morning. She was reunited with her family and friends after more than a year in captivity.

Terrorists first released three Israeli hostages last week after the ceasefire agreement went into effect on Jan. 19. Israel agreed to release over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners for the return of 33 hostages in waves spread over six weeks.

Dig deeper: Read Josh Schumacher’s report on Palestinians returning to the Gaza Strip after the ceasefire took effect.