More than 150 former Hamas prisoners were spotted enjoying a stay at Egypt’s luxury Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel, a five‑star Marriott property, after they were released in an early phase of President Trump’s Gaza cease‑fire deal.
The photos show the ex‑prisoners sipping cappuccinos, dining in the hotel’s upscale restaurants, and relaxing by the pool, giving the press eye‑rolling headlines about “terrorists on vacation.”
The group of 154 militants had been freed from Israeli jails under the 20‑point Gaza peace package that also aimed to end the hostage crisis. The deal was supposed to bring Israeli soldiers and civilians back home and close the door on a prolonged conflict. In return, Israel released more than 2,000 prisoners, including 250 who had life sentences for bombings and shootings.
Marriott officials confirmed on Saturday that the former fighters had left the hotel. The company said the men were no longer staying at the property, and they had moved on to other accommodations in Cairo.
While at the resort, several of the released men celebrated the wedding of Akram Abu Bakr, a Hamas operative known for dozens of shootings and bombings. The ceremony, held on October 18, drew a mix of guests—from tourists to other combatants—none of whom seemed aware that they were sharing the venue with convicted terrorists.
Bitter headlines from Israeli officials posted about the release note that the prisoners “have been freed not to reward evil but because Israel values human life above all.” While Israel claims the deal has saved lives, critics say the released fighters still pose a threat and highlight that Hamas has yet to return all bodies of slain Israeli hostages.
The story has sparked debate over the safety of releasing high‑risk inmates and the effectiveness of the Gaza cease‑fire in preventing new attacks. The Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel’s name has become a symbol of the uneasy balance between peace talks and security concerns in the region.
Source: New York Post
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