Hamas released seven more hostages from Gaza on Thursday amid an ongoing ceasefire agreement with Israel. The handover took place in the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis near the now destroyed childhood home of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The seven hostages were two Israelis, Gadi Moses and Arbel Yehud, and five Thais.
Chaos erupted when the seven hostages were brought for the handover as hundreds of people crowded to witness the event — with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later issuing a stern warning. The remarks came after television images showed gunmen struggling to control hundreds of Gazans gathered to witness the handover. Onlookers were also seen scrambling to take pictures of the hostages and even surrounding the Red Cross vehicles.
“I view with great severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages. This is yet another proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organisation. I demand that the mediators ensure such horrific scenes do not recur and guarantee the safety of our hostages. Whoever dares to harm our hostages will pay the price,” he said.
