No Result
View All Result
Sunday, October 19, 2025
  • Login
NEWSLETTER
JOURNOS NEWS
27 °c
Manila
28 ° Mon
28 ° Tue
  • Home
  • Breaking News
  • World News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Crime and Justice
  • War and Conflict
  • Environment
  • Home
  • Breaking News
  • World News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Crime and Justice
  • War and Conflict
  • Environment
27 °c
Manila
28 ° Mon
28 ° Tue
No Result
View All Result
JOURNOS NEWS
No Result
View All Result
Home Conflict and Crisis

Hamas Releases 8 Hostages, But Israel Halts Prisoner Swap Over Chaotic Handover

Tense Hostage Exchange: Hamas Frees 8, Israel Demands Safer Transfers

by pinkfloyd
January 30, 2025
in Conflict and Crisis, Hostage Negotiations & Diplomacy, Humanitarian Crisis, International Relations, Middle East Conflict, Military Strategy & Alliances, Peacekeeping Operations, Political Unrest, War and Armed Conflict
0
Ceasefire Tested: Hostage Release Turns Chaotic, Israel Responds - Mohammed Hajjar/AP Photo

Israel Demands Safe Hostage Releases After Hamas’ Disorderly Handover - Mohammed Hajjar/AP Photo

Hamas Releases 8 More Hostages Amid Chaotic Handover; Israel Delays Prisoner Swap

Tense Exchange Sparks Israeli Protest

Hamas released eight more hostages on Thursday as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement in Gaza. However, the chaotic nature of the handover—where hostages were forced through a crowd of thousands by masked militants—angered Israel, prompting it to temporarily halt the planned release of 110 Palestinian prisoners.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded assurances from mediators regarding the safety of future hostage transfers. Later, after receiving commitments from negotiators, Israeli media reported that the prisoner release would proceed as planned.

Hamas Uses Handover as Political Statement

In a dramatic move, Hamas released seven hostages in front of the destroyed home of its slain leader, Yahya Sinwar, in what the group called a “message of determination.” The event triggered diplomatic concerns, with U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari mediators scrambling to keep the fragile truce intact.

The first hostage freed was 20-year-old Israeli soldier Agam Berger. Hamas paraded her through the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza before handing her over.

More RelatedPosts

Freed Hamas Hostages Begin Painful Recovery After Two Years in Captivity

Trump Balances Diplomacy With Putin as Ukraine Awaits U.S. Weapons

Qatar-Led Diplomacy Secures Afghanistan-Pakistan Ceasefire Agreement

Israel Confirms Hamas Returned Two Coffins of Hostages from Gaza

Gaza’s Ceasefire Brings Calm but Not Comfort as Residents Face Daily Struggles

Trump Urges Ukraine and Russia to ‘Stop Where They Are’ and End the War After Zelenskyy Meeting

Load More

Chaotic Handover in Khan Younis

The most intense scene unfolded hours later in Khan Younis, where Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants arrived in a convoy with the remaining seven hostages.

Thousands of people gathered, some climbing the ruins of bombed-out buildings to watch.

  • Arbel Yehoud (29) appeared stunned and disoriented as masked militants pushed her through the shouting crowd.
  • Gadi Moses (80), an Israeli man, was among those freed.
  • Five Thai laborers were also released:
    • Watchara Sriaoun (33)
    • Pongsak Tanna (36)
    • Sathian Suwankam (35)
    • Bannawat Seathao (27)
    • Surasak Lamnau (32)

Thailand has been heavily impacted by Hamas’ October attack, with 23 Thai nationals among more than 100 hostages freed during a previous ceasefire in November 2023. Israel reports that three Thai hostages remain in captivity, with two believed to be dead.

Tensions Over Hostage Release Sequence

Arbel Yehoud was previously at the center of a dispute over the order in which hostages would be released. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar intervened, securing an agreement for her release on Thursday.

In Israel, about 20 of Yehoud’s friends watched the handover live. Some wept, while others covered their eyes or mouths in distress. The group erupted in tears of relief when she was finally turned over to the Red Cross.

Netanyahu Condemns ‘Shocking Scenes’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the chaotic handover, calling for international mediators to ensure safe and orderly releases in the future.

Meanwhile, the ceasefire remains in place, but the next phase of negotiations will be even more difficult.

Ceasefire Terms & Uncertain Future

Under the current truce, Hamas has agreed to release 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, the elderly, and wounded men, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Israel has confirmed that eight of the hostages set to be released are dead.

One of the high-profile prisoners set for release is Zakaria Zubeidi, a former militant leader and theater director who gained notoriety after a dramatic 2021 prison break before being recaptured days later.

Palestinian Perspective on Prisoner Release

For many Palestinians, the release of prisoners is seen as a victory. Those detained are often viewed as heroes who have sacrificed in the fight against Israeli occupation.

Meanwhile, Israel has withdrawn most of its forces from Gaza, allowing hundreds of thousands of displaced residents to return to their devastated neighborhoods. Humanitarian aid efforts have increased, but conditions remain dire.

The next phase of negotiations could determine whether the ceasefire holds indefinitely or if war resumes in early March.

  • Israel remains committed to destroying Hamas, even after the group quickly reasserted control over Gaza during the ceasefire.
  • Far-right members of Netanyahu’s government are demanding a return to war once the first phase of hostage exchanges is completed.
  • Hamas has declared that it will not release the remaining hostages unless Israel ends the war completely and fully withdraws from Gaza.

Human Cost of the War

The war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, has resulted in one of the deadliest conflicts in recent history:

  • Hamas’ attack: 1,200 Israelis killed, mostly civilians, with 250 hostages taken.
  • Israeli offensive: Over 47,000 Palestinians killed, more than half of whom were women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
  • Israeli military estimates: 17,000 Hamas fighters killed (though no evidence has been provided).

Entire neighborhoods in Gaza have been reduced to rubble. Around 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with hundreds of thousands now living in overcrowded shelters or makeshift tents.

What Happens Next?

The coming weeks will determine whether the ceasefire evolves into a long-term peace deal or if hostilities resume. With both sides holding firm on their demands, the situation remains extremely fragile.

Will Hamas release the remaining hostages?
Will Israel continue military operations in Gaza?
Can international mediators secure a lasting truce?

The world is watching.

Source

pinkfloyd

pinkfloyd

Related Posts

Freed Hamas Hostages Begin Long Road to Recovery After Two Years in Captivity - AP Photo/Leo Correa
Conflict and Crisis

Freed Hamas Hostages Begin Painful Recovery After Two Years in Captivity

October 19, 2025
Ukrainians Disappointed as Trump-Zelenskyy Talks End Without Tomahawk Deal - AP Photo/Leo Correa, File
Breaking News

Trump Balances Diplomacy With Putin as Ukraine Awaits U.S. Weapons

October 19, 2025
Afghanistan and Pakistan Agree to Immediate Ceasefire After Deadly Border Clashes - AP Photo/Shafiqullah Mashaal
Afghanistan-Pakistan Conflict

Qatar-Led Diplomacy Secures Afghanistan-Pakistan Ceasefire Agreement

October 19, 2025
Israel Confirms Hamas Returned Two Hostage Coffins Amid Ceasefire Tensions - AP Photo/Yousef Al Zanoun
Conflict and Crisis

Israel Confirms Hamas Returned Two Coffins of Hostages from Gaza

October 19, 2025
Gaza Ceasefire Brings Calm but Little Relief as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens - AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi
Ceasefire Negotiations

Gaza’s Ceasefire Brings Calm but Not Comfort as Residents Face Daily Struggles

October 18, 2025
Trump Calls for Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire After Meeting with Zelenskyy - AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Ceasefire Negotiations

Trump Urges Ukraine and Russia to ‘Stop Where They Are’ and End the War After Zelenskyy Meeting

October 18, 2025
Trump Warns Hamas of Military Response if Gaza Killings Persist - Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Conflict and Crisis

Trump Warns Hamas of Military Response if Killings in Gaza Continue

October 17, 2025
Hostage-Prisoner Swap Marks New Phase in Gaza Truce Negotiations - AP Photo/Oded Balilty
Breaking News

Hostage-Prisoner Exchange Marks Turning Point in Gaza Ceasefire Deal

October 13, 2025
Israeli Hostages Freed as Red Cross Oversees Handover in Gaza - Reuters
Breaking News

Israeli Hostages Handed to Red Cross as Gaza Exchange Process Begins

October 13, 2025
Load More
Next Post
Guantánamo Bay Expansion: Trump's Plan for Criminal Immigrants - Alex Brandon/AP Photo

Guantánamo Bay Set to House Thousands of Immigrants Under Trump’s Plan

How to File Taxes and Track Your Refund in 2025 - Patrick Semansky/AP Photo

Tax Season 2025: How to Track and Receive Your Refund Quickly

MMA World Reacts to Bryce Mitchell’s Controversial Podcast Comments - BBC via Getty Images

Dana White Slams Fighter’s Holocaust Denial as ‘Beyond Disgusting’

Black Hawk Helicopter Crash: What We Know So Far - Brandon Giles / U.S. Coast Guard via Getty Images

Black Hawk Helicopter: The Military’s Trusted Workhorse Explained

What Tulsi Gabbard Really Thinks About Trump, Ukraine, and Surveillance - John Mcdonnell/AP Photo

Tulsi Gabbard Faces Tough Questions on Russia, Syria, and Trump

Popular News

  • Freed Hamas Hostages Begin Long Road to Recovery After Two Years in Captivity - AP Photo/Leo Correa

    Freed Hamas Hostages Begin Painful Recovery After Two Years in Captivity

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Burning Gas Ship Abandoned in Gulf of Aden as One Mariner Remains Missing

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • U.S. Government Shutdown Nears Historic Length as Economic and Political Fallout Deepens

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Trump Balances Diplomacy With Putin as Ukraine Awaits U.S. Weapons

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Qatar-Led Diplomacy Secures Afghanistan-Pakistan Ceasefire Agreement

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Recommended

How Scientists Are Watching an Asteroid That Might Pass Near Earth - Jet Propulsion Laboratory/NASA/NPR/AP

Could an Asteroid Hit Earth in 7 Years? Here’s What Scientists Know

8 months ago
Julie Stewart-Binks: Fox Sports Failed to Act on Assault Complaint - Travis P Ball / Getty Images for SXSW; Richard Shotwell / Invision / Associated Press

Former Fox Sports Anchor Accuses Executive of Sexual Assault

9 months ago

Connect with us

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Cookie Settings
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Support Press Freedom
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Advertising
  • Online Shopping
Breaking News That Keeps You Ahead.

Copyright © 2024 JournosNews.com All rights reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Breaking News
  • World News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Crime and Justice
  • War and Conflict
  • Environment

Copyright © 2024 JournosNews.com All rights reserved.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.