Jerusalem: The release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners was delayed after Israel raised objections to the way Hamas handed over freed Israeli hostages. Israeli government said the prisoner release would not happen until the next group of hostages was safely returned and without what it called “humiliating ceremonies” held by Hamas.
The delay was announced by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu early on Sunday. It came just as vehicles carrying Palestinian prisoners left the gates of Ofer Prison but were then ordered to turn back.
Prisoner release halted
Israel had planned to free 620 Palestinian prisoners after six Israeli hostages were released on Saturday. According to Associated Press reports, it would have been the largest single-day prisoner release under the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. However, Israel objected to the way Hamas handled the release of the hostages.
Five of the six freed Israelis were presented in front of a crowd by armed Hamas militants. Some were forced to wear fake military uniforms, while one hostage was seen kissing his captors under duress. Israel and the Red Cross condemned these public displays, calling them cruel. The United Nations also criticized Hamas for the way the handover was conducted.
Israel’s government accused Hamas of using the hostages for propaganda and suspended the planned prisoner release.
Tensions over ceasefire agreement
The delay in releasing Palestinian prisoners raised concerns about the future of the ceasefire. Hamas accused Israel of breaking the deal, with spokesperson Abdel Latif Al-Qanou blaming Netanyahu for “deliberately stalling” the process.
The ceasefire has temporarily halted fighting in Gaza, where Israel and Hamas were engaged in their deadliest conflict. However, both sides are now facing difficulties in moving forward with the next phase of the agreement.
Hamas said it will release four more bodies of hostages next week, completing the first stage of the truce. However, after that, Hamas is still holding over 60 hostages, with about half believed to be alive, as reported by Associated Press.
Uncertainty over next steps
Israel has not given a clear answer on whether it will still release the 620 Palestinian prisoners. These include 151 prisoners serving life sentences for attacks against Israelis. Almost 100 of them would be deported under the agreement. The rest include 445 men, 23 teenagers aged 15 to 19, and one woman. Many were detained by Israeli forces in Gaza during the war without any formal charges.
Hamas has said it will not release any more hostages without a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met security officials on Saturday evening to discuss the situation. His government is under pressure from hostage families, who are demanding a deal to bring back those still in captivity. Many gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday night, calling for the safe return of all hostages.
