Luxury vacationing: Freed Gaza prisoners stay at 5-star Cairo hotel; raise safety concerns

Representative image (AI-generated)

A group of 154 terrorists released under the Gaza peace deal are currently staying at a five-star hotel in Cairo. They are living alongside unsuspecting foreign tourists, raising concerns among security experts.The individuals were freed from Israeli prisons under US President Donald Trump’s peace plan to secure the release of Israeli hostages. They are now residing at the Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel, part of the Marriott chain, The Daily Mail reported.The hotel is open to the public and families continue to book rooms without knowledge of the guests’ background.The released extremists include senior Hamas operatives and a member of ISIS. Among them is Mahmoud Issa, 57, founder of Special Unit 101 of Hamas’ Izz a-Din al-Qassam Brigades, a unit known for kidnappings.Others include Izz a-Din al-Hamamrah, a recruiter of suicide bombers, Samir Abu Nima, involved in bus bombings and several convicted murderers and kidnappers.A former Israeli intelligence official said the release of these prisoners was a major concession for Israel, which had strongly opposed freeing its most dangerous detainees. However, it was seen as necessary to secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas and ensure a temporary ceasefire.The released prisoners are reportedly allowed to apply for local visas and residence permits, though local security services are expected to monitor their activities. Some may later relocate to countries such as Turkey, Qatar or Tunisia.Despite their disturbing history, the terrorists have been seen enjoying hotel facilities, including the pool, restaurants and spa, often alongside unsuspecting Western tourists. Some have also received financial support through the Palestinian Authority’s compensation program for those imprisoned for attacks against Israelis, according to The Daily Mail. Israeli officials stressed that the release was not a reward but a difficult measure to protect hostages. David Mencer, from Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office, said: “Israel freed them not to reward evil but because we value human life above all.”