Israel announced early Sunday that it was delaying the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners until it receives assurances from Hamas regarding the end of the humiliating ceremonies during hostage transfers.
The decision came after over 600 inmates, who were set to be freed as part of the ongoing ceasefire, had already boarded buses before being told to disembark. The delay followed backlash over Hamas parading freed hostages in propaganda-filled ceremonies, including a video showing captives alongside armed fighters.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that due to “repeated violations” by Hamas, prisoner releases would be postponed until the next hostage transfer is guaranteed without such displays. The move casts further uncertainty on the fragile ceasefire agreement.
Hamas condemned Israel’s decision, accusing Netanyahu of stalling and violating the terms of the deal. The Palestinian Authority’s commission for prisoners’ affairs confirmed the delay, while footage showed families of prisoners waiting in near-freezing conditions for their loved ones.
Among the 602 inmates set to be released were individuals convicted of deadly attacks, including Nael Barghouti, who has spent 44 years in prison. Some prisoners were slated for deportation, while others would return to Gaza, the West Bank, or East Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, six Israeli hostages were freed on Saturday, with most being paraded by Hamas in staged events. Israel continues to demand the return of remaining captives, both alive and deceased. The ceasefire’s next phase remains uncertain, as Hamas insists on a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza before releasing more hostages.
With Netanyahu facing internal and international pressure, the fate of future exchanges—and the broader ceasefire—remains in limbo.
