7 hours agoIsrael delays release of Palestinian prisoners, ceasefire at risk
Periskopi(a year ago)
(a year ago)Israel has announced it is delaying the release of more than 600 Palestinian prisoners, saying their release will occur only after the return of Israeli hostages without “humiliating Somebody” from Hamas to Gaza is secured. The statement came from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyah's office on Sunday morning. Military vehicles that usually accompany buses [...]
Israel has announced it is delaying the release of more than 600 Palestinian prisoners, saying their release will occur only after the return of Israeli hostages without “humiliating Somebody” from Hamas to Gaza is secured.
The statement came from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyah's office on Sunday morning. Military vehicles that usually accompany buses with prisoners left Ofer prison but then returned.
This unexpected decision has delayed the release of prisoners for several hours, though it was scheduled to take place shortly after the release of six Israeli hostages from Hamas on Saturday.
It was supposed to be the largest day release in the first phase of the ceasefire.
Tensions Over Release of Hostages
The recent release of hostages from Hamas has sparked controversy after some of them were accompanied by militants armed in front of large crowds.
This has brought reactions from international organisations such as the UN and the Red Cross, which have condemned the move as “mizor”.
Israel has declared that <x0-ceremonies that humiliate the dignity of the hostages and use them for propaganda” are reasons for the delay in the release of Palestinian prisoners.
The Future of the Ceasefire Remains Uncertain
The six hostages released on Saturday were the last to be expected to be released in the first phase of the ceasefire, which was mediated by the US, Qatar and Egypt.
So far, there are no clear talks on the second phase of the agreement.
Meanwhile, Hamas has announced that next week he will hand over the bodies of four dead hostages to meet his part of the deal.
Currently, the group still holds over 60 hostages, of which half are believed to be alive.
The second phase of the ceasefire is expected to include the release of all hostages left in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
It also aims to bring Israel's full withdrawal from Gaza and the end of fighting.
However, Hamas has stressed that he will no longer release hostages without clear guarantees from Israel for respecting the agreement.
Will War Continue?
Netanyahu, with the support of the US administration, has declared it aims to destroy Hamas' military and governing capacities and ensure the return of all Israeli hostages.
An Israeli official told the Associated Press that Netanyah is expected to hold a meeting with security advisers to discuss the future of the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Israel's military offensive in Gaza has caused more than 48,000 Palestinian victims, mostly women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
About 90% of the population of 2.1 million has been displaced several times, while the enclave's infrastructure has almost completely destroyed.
The UN has warned that Gaza will take decades to rebuild and recover from the destruction of war.
The current war erupted in response to Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, where about 1,200 people were killed in Israel.
