Israel Delays Palestinian Prisoner Release Indefinitely as Hostages Are Freed
Israel has announced an indefinite delay in the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners, potentially derailing the fragile ceasefire process.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explained that the release would be postponed until Hamas guarantees the next round of hostage handovers, without the “humiliating” ceremonies that Hamas has held during previous exchanges.
This decision came after six Israeli hostages, including four kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, were freed on Saturday.
Only one more handover of hostages is expected in the first phase of the ceasefire, which will involve four hostages who have died in captivity. However, there have been no arrangements for the release of other living hostages scheduled for phase two.
Mediators are working to prevent the collapse of the ceasefire and get the deal back on track.
Netanyahu accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire repeatedly, using hostages for propaganda purposes. Hamas responded by condemning Israel’s delay, calling the claims about the handover ceremonies “false” and an excuse to avoid their obligations under the agreement.
The six released hostages include Tal Shoham, Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen, and Omer Wenkert, who were captured during the October 7 attacks. Two other hostages, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, had been held in Gaza for years, with Mengistu detained since 2014 and al-Sayed since 2015.
These six are the final living hostages to be freed in the first phase of the ceasefire, which is set to conclude next Saturday.
Outside Ofer Prison in the West Bank, Palestinian families anxiously awaited the release of prisoners. Meanwhile, in Gaza, a mother expressed disbelief that her son, who had been imprisoned for 33 years, would finally be freed.
Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement by postponing the prisoner release, which has added to the growing tensions between the two sides.
The Palestinian prisoners to be released had been detained since the October 7 attacks, with some serving life sentences. As of now, 62 hostages remain in Hamas’ captivity, with some believed to still be alive.
The initial chaotic scenes of hostage exchanges have become more organized, with hostages being handed over in public ceremonies.
Families of the released hostages have celebrated their return and are calling for the release of all remaining captives.
