From the Liveblog of
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Netanyahu’s office says Israel received guarantees on avoiding mobs in future releases
Amy Spiro is a reporter and writer with The Times of Israel
Israel says it has received a guarantee from mediators that scenes of chaos at a handover of hostages in Khan Younis earlier today will not be repeated in future releases, after reports indicated that it had okayed a Palestinian prisoner release held up due to the mayhem.
“Following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s demand, the mediators made a commitment that our hostages will be guaranteed safe passageway in the next releases,” reads a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
“Israel insists that lessons will be learned and that the next rounds will have greater care in ensuring the safe return of our hostages,” it adds.
The message does not directly address the delay in releasing 110 Palestinian prisoners, which was held up following Israeli anger at the unruly mob that surrounded hostages Arbel Yehoud, Gadi Mozes, Pongsak Thenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Seathao and Surasak Lamnau as they were being handed over to the Red Cross.
Hebrew media reports cited Israeli officials saying that the delayed release of the prisoners was expected to start around 5 p.m. today.
The Times of Israel Community.