Israel has delayed the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners citing the “humiliating” circumstances of previous handovers with Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the prisoners — who were supposed to be freed Sunday, local time — won’t be let go until Israel receives guarantees for their remaining citizens in Hamas custody.
“In light of the repeated violations by Hamas — including the ceremonies that demean our hostages and the cynical use of our hostages for propaganda purposes — it has been decided to delay the release of terrorists planed for yesterday until the next release of hostages is guaranteed, and without the degrading ceremonies,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office reads, the Times of Israel reported.
The release of the 620 Palestinian prisoners was supposed to happen in response to Israel receiving six hostages from the group on Saturday.
Thus far, as part of the ceasefire deal, Hamas has released 25 living hostages and bodies of four others. There are still 63 Israelis being held by Hamas, with at least two dozen still alive, the Times of Israel reports.
Four more bodies were slated to be released on Thursday, which was the last planned transfer of the first stage of the ceasefire agreement.
