The release of Palestinian prisoners as part of a hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas is set to proceed later today, according to an Egyptian official. The operation is scheduled to take place at 5 p.m. local time (10 a.m. ET).
Egypt played a crucial role as a mediator in the ceasefire-hostage deal that was brokered between Israel and Hamas. The agreement involves the release of over 100 Palestinian prisoners, a process that was initially delayed by the Israeli government.
Earlier on Thursday, the release was postponed due to intense scenes surrounding the liberation of two Israeli hostages and five Thai citizens in Gaza. The hostages were escorted to Red Cross vehicles amidst a large crowd, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz to order a delay in the prisoner release.
In a statement issued by the prime minister's spokesperson, Omer Dostri, it was stated that the release of the Palestinian prisoners would be put on hold until the safe exit of the hostages is ensured in the coming days. Israel has made it clear that the mediators must guarantee the safety of the hostages before proceeding with the prisoner release.
