Netanyahu delays Palestinian prisoners' release over 'humiliating ceremonies'
What's the story
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a delay in the release of Palestinian prisoners, a key component of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The decision was made in response to what he described as "humiliating ceremonies" conducted by Hamas during the handover of Israeli hostages. Since the ceasefire began on January 19, Hamas has released 25 Israeli hostages through staged events.
Ceremony controversy
Hamas's 'humiliating ceremonies' provoke Israeli response
The latest of these staged events occurred on Saturday when Hamas released six Israeli captives. However, Israel delayed its reciprocal action of releasing Palestinian prisoners in response to these ceremonies. The Palestinian group has termed this delay a "blatant violation" of the truce deal. Netanyahu's office said due to "Hamas' repeated violations," including "disgraceful ceremonies," the prisoner release would be delayed until future hostages are freed without such displays.
US warning
US warns Hamas, Palestinian families await relatives' release
From Washington, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stern warning that Hamas would be "destroyed" if it failed to release all remaining hostages. Meanwhile, families in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip waited for hours on Saturday for their relatives' release from Israeli custody. Shireen al-Hamamreh, whose brother was due for release, said it was difficult to wait but she remained hopeful.
Delayed release
Israel's delayed release of 620 Palestinian inmates
The Palestinian Prisoners's Club advocacy group said Israel intended to release 620 inmates, primarily Gazans arrested during the war. Before Netanyahu's announcement, Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif al-Qanou condemned Israel's non-compliance with the agreed release time as a breach of the deal. The delay came after an emotional time in Israel after discovering hostage Shiri Bibas's remains following an initial handover error.
Truce violation
Netanyahu accuses Hamas of violating truce over Bibas's return
Netanyahu accused Hamas of violating the truce deal over Bibas's return. Forensics revealed no bombing injuries on Bibas and her sons' remains, contradicting Hamas's claim they died in an airstrike. The six Israelis released Saturday were part of the last group under the truce's first phase. The deal has facilitated 30 captive releases so far and is set to expire in early March. Negotiations for a second phase aiming for a permanent end to the war have not yet started.