Israel PM Netanyahu denounces 'horrifying' chaos of hostage handover

In a tense and dramatic hostage handover, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu strongly criticized Hamas for creating chaotic and dangerous conditions during the release of two hostages. The transfer, which took two hours, involved Gadi Moses and Arbel Yehud being moved from a Palestinian Islamic Jihad vehicle to Red Cross vehicles amid a mobbing crowd. Netanyahu demanded immediate intervention from mediators to ensure the safety of hostages and prevent such horrific scenes in future exchanges. The incident highlights the ongoing complexity and tension in the Gaza conflict.

"I view with great severity the horrifying scenes during the release of our hostages" - Benjamin Netanyahu

by ANI January 30, 2025 105 views

Tel Aviv, January 30: Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced scenes of Palestinians mobbing the Red Cross convoy of hostages in Khan Yunis as "horrifying."

Key Points

1. Hamas created dangerous transfer conditions for hostage release

2. Netanyahu demands international mediator intervention

3. Red Cross vehicles blocked during one-hour transfer process

4. Sinwar's demolished home used as transfer location

It took one hour to transfer Gadi Moses and Arbel Yehud from a Palestinian Islamic Jihad vehicle to Red Cross vehicles, and another hour till the Red Cross was able to depart.

Hamas insisted on handing over the two on the grounds of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's demolished home. Hamas also insisted that Moses and Yehud make their way on foot the Red Cross vehicles, despite the distance and crowd.

"I view with great severity the horrifying scenes during the release of our hostages," Netanyahu said in a statement. "This is further proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organization. I demand that the mediators ensure that such horrific scenes do not occur again, and to guarantee the safety of our hostages."

"Whoever dares to harm our hostages - may his blood be on his head," Netanyahu added. (ANI/TPS)