Hamas militants freed under Gaza deal found staying in luxury Cairo hotel

A number of Hamas militants released under a recent Gaza peace agreement are reportedly staying at a five-star hotel in Cairo alongside unsuspecting Western tourists, raising concerns among security experts.

A Daily Mail investigation tracked more than 150 extremists to the Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel, highlighting the potential risks posed by their presence in civilian areas.

Israel freed 250 prisoners, including some of the country’s most high-profile jihadists serving life sentences, as part of former US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan. Of those released, 154 are now believed to be staying at the hotel, which features amenities including a spa, restaurants, a fitness centre, an outdoor pool, and a hair salon.

The freed militants reportedly include senior figures such as Mahmoud Issa, 57, founder of Hamas’ Special Unit 101; Isis operative Izz a-Din al-Hamamrah, 47; bus bombing planner Samir Abu Nima, 64; ambusher Muhammad Zawahra, 52; kidnapper Ismail Hamdan, 57; and murderer Yousuf Dawud, 39.

Undercover journalists reportedly stayed at the resort and observed the extremists mingling with ordinary tourists. Some of the freed militants are expected to relocate to other regional destinations, including Qatar, Türkiye, and Tunisia, popular with European holidaymakers.

Experts have warned of the risks posed by the release and relocation of these individuals. Professor Anthony Glees, emeritus professor at the University of Buckingham, said: “These people are our sworn enemies. We must not let them collect together. Otherwise, you are setting up a terrorist army in exile.”

A former Israeli intelligence officer, identified only as Guy C, added: “There are no restrictions on their movements in these countries. They can travel freely, receive donations, and re-establish their networks, forming new terror cells.”

The Daily Mail reports that many of the militants were observed withdrawing large sums of cash from hotel ATMs. According to Palestinian Media Watch, the Palestinian Authority’s "Pay for Slay" policy, which provides financial rewards to individuals imprisoned for attacks on Israelis, has allowed some to amass six-figure fortunes.

The cost of accommodating all 154 extremists at the hotel, where rooms start at £200 per night, would exceed £30,000 daily, though it is not clear who is covering the expenses.

By Tamilla Hasanova