Hamas frees 8 more hostages, Israel set to release 110 prisoners – National

Hamas-led militants released eight hostages on Thursday following a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip earlier this month. Israel is expected to release an additional 110 Palestinian prisoners.

The release was marred by chaos as a crowd of Palestinians surrounded and jeered at the hostages during the handover to the Red Cross.

The ceasefire aims to end the deadliest conflict between Israel and Hamas, which was sparked by Hamas’ attack into Israel on October 7, 2023. Despite some disputes, the ceasefire has held.

Footage showed one of the hostages, Arbel Yehoud, looking stunned as she was led through a crowd by militants towards Red Cross vehicles.

Many militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad gathered in a show of force during the release, with thousands of onlookers, some shouting and surrounding the hostages.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the scene and called on international mediators to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Hamas had previously handed over another hostage, Agam Berger, to the Red Cross after parading her in Jabaliya, a heavily destroyed urban refugee camp in northern Gaza.

People in Tel Aviv cheered as they watched Berger’s handover on screens, displaying support for the hostages.

Foreign workers were among those taken captive during the conflict, with some hostages already released during a previous ceasefire.

Israel has committed to releasing several prisoners, including those serving life sentences for attacks against Israelis. The release of hostages is part of a negotiated agreement.

Palestinians have celebrated the release of prisoners, viewing them as heroes in the struggle against Israeli occupation.

Israeli forces have withdrawn from most of Gaza, allowing residents to return to their damaged homes and receive humanitarian aid.

The ceasefire agreement includes plans for a second phase of negotiations between Israel and Hamas, with the goal of securing the release of all remaining hostages and maintaining peace.

Israel remains determined to confront Hamas, while the militant group insists on a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza before releasing all hostages.

The conflict began with a Hamas incursion into Israel, leading to a deadly confrontation that resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

The aftermath of the conflict has left Gaza devastated, with a large portion of the population displaced and living in dire conditions.

Journalists Shurafa and Krauss contributed to this report from Gaza and Dubai, with additional reporting from Tel Aviv by Associated Press writer Sam Mednick.