GAZA, Jan 31, (V7N) – Hamas released three Israeli and five Thai hostages on Thursday, while Israel freed 110 Palestinian prisoners, though the process was delayed due to security concerns.

One of the freed hostages, Arbel Yehoud (29), abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct. 7, 2023, appeared fearful and struggled to walk through the swarming crowd as armed militants handed her to the Red Cross in Khan Younis.

Gadi Moses (80) was also among those released.

Five Thai nationals, who were working on Israeli farms when Hamas militants stormed across the border, were also freed.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the chaotic handover, warning of harsh retaliation for any harm to hostages.

In response to the chaotic hostage transfer, Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz temporarily halted the release of Palestinian prisoners, demanding assurances that future transfers would be conducted safely.

After receiving commitments from mediators, the phased prisoner exchange resumed later on Thursday.

Buses carrying the 110 freed Palestinian prisoners arrived in Ramallah, where they were met by cheering crowds chanting, "We sacrifice our souls and blood for you."

Zakaria Zubaidi, a key leader of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades and a symbol of resistance in the West Bank city of Jenin.

Zubaidi had previously escaped Israeli prison in 2021 but was later recaptured.

Speaking to the jubilant crowd, Zubaidi expressed gratitude for his release, dedicating it to "the martyrs of Gaza." When asked about Israel's reported ban on his return to Jenin, he responded defiantly, "The dragon is the owner of the land, and the hunter must leave."

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