Huge crowds in Khan Younis before captives’ release
Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from the ground, says the preparations in Khan Younis indicate that two remaining Israeli captives, Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Moshe Mozes, are going to be released at this location shortly.
This day is also expected to see five Thai captives released.
Our colleague at Al Jazeera Arabic, Hani al-Shaer, has reported from the captives handover location in Khan Younis, saying the Palestinian fighters participating in the event include those holding Arbel Yehud, indicating she is among those to be released at this spot today.
“Huge crowds of people are coming to this area known as Street 5 in Khan Younis, which was destroyed in different military operations. Specifically, the house of Yahya Sinwar that was destroyed and turned into rubble, and the exchange will be from this rubble,” he added.
Palestinian fighters gather in front of Sinwar’s house in Khan Younis
Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) fighters have started to clear a path for the release of captives in Khan Younis, reports Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum from the scene. A huge crowd in the area – with many hundreds of onlookers – continues to grow, live footage shows.
“Everybody here is waiting,” said Abu Azzoum.
An aerial view of Palestinian fighters gathered in front of Yahya Sinwar’s house in Khan Younis, where Israeli captives are expected to be released, January 30
No stage in Khan Younis for captives’ handover due to large crowds
Our colleague at Al Jazeera Arabic, Hisham Zaqout, reporting from the location of the ongoing captives’ release ceremony in Khan Younis, says a podium was supposed to be set up like earlier.
“But it seems, due to the huge crowds of Palestinians coming to salute the Palestinian resistance and to watch the handover ceremony, the first in the south of Gaza Strip, the podium could not be set,” he said.
No signing of documents witnessed in latest handover of an Israeli captive
Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from Khan Younis, says there is not the same ceremonial process that occurred during previous handovers of Israeli captives on this occasion.
He said civilians are chanting and surrounding the car, which holds a captive about to be released to the Red Cross, amid chaotic scenes in comparison with previous handovers, where the crowd appeared more orderly.
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