Israel and Hamas conducted a prisoner exchange on Thursday that turned chaotic as armed militants struggled to control a crowd of chanting Palestinians. Hamas released eight hostages, including an Israeli soldier, Agam Berger, 20, in Jabaliya, and two other hostages in Khan Younis, angering Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The release of more than 100 Palestinian prisoners was suspended temporarily, but eventually, all prisoners were released as promised by mediators.
The scenes of chaos during the handovers were condemned by Mr. Netanyahu, who called for guarantees from Hamas for the safe release of future hostages. The crowds gathered for the handovers were seen as a display of determination by Palestinians to remain on their land, while to Israelis, it illustrated Hamas’s desire to humiliate the hostages.
After the release, Ms. Yehud was taken to a hospital in Ramat Gan, where she was met with a welcoming crowd. She was one of the last living female hostages held in Gaza. Hamas also released five Thai agricultural workers, with one remaining Thai hostage whose fate was unclear.
The handovers were risky and unacceptable, according to Yves Daccord, a former Red Cross official. The freed hostages faced a difficult journey through crowds of spectators before being handed over to Israeli officials. The whole process was described as psychological torture.
The releases came during a 42-day cease-fire, with more negotiations between Israel and Hamas planned for the future. The exchanges were emotional for both the families of the hostages and the prisoners themselves, as they finally reunited after months of captivity.