Prime Minister Netanyahu strongly condemned the “shocking scenes” surrounding the release of Israeli and Thai hostages by Hamas terrorists on Thursday.
President Herzog described the scenes of mistreatment endured by the hostages during their transfer to the Red Cross as horrifying.
In response, Netanyahu initially ordered a delay in the planned release of terrorists, demanding guarantees for the safe release of remaining hostages. His office later announced that these assurances had been received.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Defense Minister Israel Katz, has ordered a postponement of the scheduled release of terrorists until the safe passage of our hostages in subsequent phases is ensured. Israel demands that the mediators guarantee this,” the office stated on X.
A subsequent statement indicated the matter was resolved: “Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demand, the mediators have confirmed a commitment to ensuring the safe release of our hostages in upcoming phases.” It added, “Israel insists on lessons learned and strict measures to secure the safe return of our hostages in future releases.”
Netanyahu called the scenes during the hostage release “shocking.”
“I view with the utmost gravity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages. This further demonstrates the Hamas terrorist organization’s unconscionable brutality,” Netanyahu stated, according to his office. “I demand that the mediators prevent such horrific scenes from recurring and guarantee the safety of our hostages. Anyone harming our hostages will face consequences.”
On October 7, 2023, terrorists launched an attack on Israel, resulting in killings, abductions, and rapes.
Israel launched a military operation to eliminate Hamas.
Thursday’s hostage release occurred under a ceasefire agreement.