Crowds of spectators gathered around vehicles carrying hostages in southern Gaza on Thursday, raising fears the captives wouldn’t be released safely.

Netanyahu blasted the “horrific” scenes during the chaotic hostage handover in Gaza — as the Jewish state then delayed the release of more than 100 Palestinian prisoners that were scheduled to be

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a potentially disastrous showdown within the next month that could shake his hold on power, unless he manages to deter the strongly held positions of the foreign and domestic politicians and political forces on which he is dependent.

Hamas confirmed for the first time on Thursday that Israeli killed the head of its military wing, Mohammed Deif, in an airstrike last year. Deif was one of the alleged

Follow NBC News live updates for the latest coverage of the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas.

The office noted that "Israel insists on learning lessons from what happened and is committed to strictly ensuring the safety of the hostages when they are released in later stages"

Steve Witkoff, the U.S.’s new Middle East envoy, has joined Israelis in Tel Aviv who have gathered to watch the hostage releases in what has become known as “Hostage Square,” according to images broadcast on Israeli television.

Some of the prisoners Israel is expected to release include 30 Palestinians that were given life sentences for deadly attacks against Israelis.

According to the statement, the release is delayed until the safe exit of the hostages in the next phases is assured

Hamas-led militants freed eight hostages on Thursday as part of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, but the chaotic handover of some of the captives, who masked militants shuttled through a rowdy crowd of thousands,

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed what he described as "shocking scenes" during the handover on Thursday of seven hostages including two Israelis."I view with great severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a delay of the release on Thursday of Palestinian detainees under the Gaza ceasefire deal with Hamas until the safe exit of Israeli hostages was guaranteed in the next few days,