Israel delays release of Palestinian prisoners over 'humiliating' handover of hostages

Israel said on Sunday that it had delayed the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners “until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies” during their handover.

Emphasising the fragility of the Gaza ceasefire accord, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement early on Sunday. It said Israel would wait to release the 620 Palestinian prisoners and detainees “until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies.”

The release of 620 Palestinian prisoners was supposed to take place just after six Israeli hostages were freed on Saturday.

It was meant to be the largest one-day prisoner release as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

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Israel’s decision has added further uncertainty about the future of the fragile ceasefire agreement.

The Palestinian Authority’s commission for prisoners’ affairs said the release had been delayed “until further notice."

Hamas releases six hostages

The six hostages freed on Saturday were the last living Israeli captives scheduled for release in the first phase of the ceasefire. The bodies of four dead Israeli hostages are expected to be returned next week.

After the six hostages returned to Israel, Hamas released a video showing two other hostages, Eviatar David and Guy Gilboa-Dalal, watching one of the handovers earlier on Saturday.

Earlier, Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif Al-Qanou accused Israel of violating the ceasefire after Palestinian prisoners were not released as planned on Saturday.

Hamas has conducted large public ceremonies while handing over hostages, often making them appear on stage before crowds and sometimes forcing them to speak before their release. Coffins with hostage remains have also been paraded in front of large crowds, sparking anger and grief in Israel.

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Israel and Hamas have repeatedly accused each other of breaking the ceasefire since it came into effect on January 19, which allowed for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

At one point, Hamas threatened to stop releasing hostages, claiming Israel had violated the agreement.

On Saturday, the Red Cross received three Israeli hostages in central Gaza—Eliya Cohen, 27, Omer Shem Tov, 22, and Omer Wenkert, 23—all of whom were taken during Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7.

October 7 attack

On October 7, Hamas fighters crossed into southern Israel from Gaza, killing around 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. This made Israel start its campaign in Gaza.