From the Liveblog of
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Israel says it’s holding up release of Palestinian prisoners until safety of future releases can be guaranteed
Amy Spiro is a reporter and writer with The Times of Israel
Israel confirms that it has delayed a slated release of Palestinian prisoners in protest of the chaotic scenes at the handover of several hostages in Khan Younis earlier today.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, together with Defense Minister Israel Katz, ordered a delay in the release of terrorists slated to be freed today — until the safe passage of our hostages can be guaranteed in the next releases,” Netanyahu’s office says in a statement.
“Israel demands that the mediators achieve this,” the statement adds.
The release today of three Israeli hostages comes in response to an Israeli demand following the failure of Hamas to free civilian Arbel Yehoud on Saturday. Israel held up the opening of a road to northern Gaza until today’s release was announced.
