HAMAS-LED resistance fighters freed eight hostages today as part of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

In return, the Israelis began releasing 110 Palestinian prisoners.

But the handover of some of the captives through a crowd of thousands by masked fighters drew an angry protest from Israel which nearly scuppered the release of the Palestinian prisoners agreed as part of the ceasefire deal.

Seven of the hostages were released in front of the destroyed home of its slain leader, Yahya Sinwar, as thousands pressed in. Hamas described it as a “message of determination.”

But in an angry response Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “I view with great severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages.”

He said it was further proof of the “unimaginable cruelty” of Hamas and said the release of the Palestinian prisoners would be delayed until “the mediators ensure that such threatening scenes do not occur again and to guarantee the safety of our hostages.”

He later said that he had received that commitment, and Israeli media reported the releases would go ahead.

The ceasefire is aimed at securing the release of dozens of hostages abducted during the October 7 2023, attack and the release of Palestinians held by the Israelis — often without charge. It is hoped it will bring an end to Israel’s invasion of Gaza, though this is less certain.

The first hostage — female soldier Agam Berger — was released in front of a small crowd in the heavily destroyed urban Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza.

Hours later, the other seven were released in the southern city of Khan Younis. Hundreds of resistance fighters from Hamas and the Islamic Jihad group arrived with a convoy, and thousands of people gathered to watch, some from the tilted rooftops of bombed-out buildings.

A number of foreign workers were taken along with dozens of Israelis during Hamas’s attack. 

Some 23 Thais were among more than 100 hostages released during the November 2023 ceasefire. Israel says three Thais remain in captivity, two of whom are believed to be dead.

Among the Palestinians set to be released by Israel is Zakaria Zubeidi, a prominent former militant leader and theatre director who took part in a dramatic jailbreak in 2021 before being rearrested days later.

The second phase of the ceasefire deal would see Hamas release the remaining hostages and the ceasefire would continue indefinitely. The war could resume in early March if an agreement is not reached.

Hamas says it won’t release the remaining hostages without an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.