Israel announced on Sunday that it would delay the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners until Hamas met its conditions, highlighting the fragility of the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza. The decision came after Israel accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire accord by staging public handovers of hostages, which Israel called “humiliating ceremonies.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement in the early hours of Sunday saying that Israel was waiting to deliver the 620 Palestinian prisoners and detainees “until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies.” Israel was referring to recent hostage releases by Hamas, where captives were brought onto a stage in front of large crowds and sometimes made to speak before being freed. In some cases, the remains of deceased hostages were carried through the crowds in coffins. The UN has criticised these actions as disrespectful and against international law.
Hostages exchanged amid disputes
On Saturday, Hamas freed six Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners as part of the ceasefire agreement. The six individuals were the last living Israeli captives set for release under the first phase of the truce. However, Hamas is also expected to return the bodies of four Israeli hostages next week. It remains unclear whether Israel’s delay is tied to securing guarantees on future releases.
Meanwhile, Hamas released a video showing two other hostages, fueling concerns over their status. A Hamas spokesperson accused Israel of breaking the ceasefire by failing to release Palestinian detainees as scheduled.
Hamas has staged hostage handovers in public gatherings, where armed militants stood guard and captives were made to wave to crowds. Israel condemned these events, while Hamas defended them as symbols of Palestinian unity. One of the hostages, Shem Tov, was seen in an emotional reunion with his family, saying, “How I dreamt of this.”
Ceasefire at risk
The ceasefire, in place since January 19, has momentarily halted fighting, but its long-term stability remains uncertain. Talks on a second phase, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, aim to secure the release of all remaining hostages and a potential Israeli withdrawal.
The war began when Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s counteroffensive has since killed at least 48,000 Palestinians, according to health authorities, leaving Gaza in ruins.
(With Reuters inputs)