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A 3 hour delay

Change of Plan: Israel to release Palestinian prisoners at 5pm today

Israeli security forces are maintaining heightened alert throughout the process, which marks another phase in the ongoing hostage deal.

Gila Isaacson
Gila Isaacson
2 min read
Zakaria Zubeidi

Chaotic scenes during this morning's hostage handover in Gaza led to a temporary halt in today's planned prisoner exchange, Israeli officials confirm. The release is now scheduled for 5 PM local time.

The delay came after disturbing footage emerged showing Hamas failing to maintain order during the transfer of hostages Arbel Yehud, Gadi Moses, and five Thai nationals to the Red Cross in Khan Yunis. Unlike previous exchanges, including this morning's smooth handover of Agam Berger, the scene descended into chaos as crowds of militants and civilians swarmed the vehicles containing the hostages.

Israeli officials demanded mediators ensure stricter security protocols for future transfers before proceeding with their part of the exchange.

Today's Planned Release: Key Details

The Israeli government is set to release 110 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for today's hostages. The group includes:

- 33 prisoners serving life sentences for deadly attacks

- 47 serving extended sentences

- 30 women and minors

Notable Releases

Among those scheduled for release are several high-profile prisoners:

Zakaria Zubeidi, former commander of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades in Jenin, was previously involved in multiple attacks during the Second Intifada and made headlines as one of the escapees in the 2021 Gilboa Prison break. He was convicted for his role in a 2002 attack in Beit She'an that killed six civilians.

Mahmoud Atallah, serving a life sentence since 2003 for murder, made recent news after being indicted last September for allegedly assaulting female prison guards at Gilboa Prison.

Ahmad Barghouti, a former Fatah military commander, will be deported upon release. He is currently serving 13 life sentences for orchestrating several suicide bombings during the Second Intifada, including attacks at Tel Aviv's Seafood Market restaurant and in Jerusalem.

Release Protocol

The exchange will follow established procedures from previous deals. Once Israeli authorities confirm the safe return of the hostages, prisoners will be transported to either Ofer or Shikma Prison for processing and release. East Jerusalem residents will undergo additional processing at the Russian Compound facility before their release.

Israeli security forces are maintaining heightened alert throughout the process, which marks another phase in the ongoing hostage deal negotiations.


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