Israel announced on Sunday that it would delay the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners, initially scheduled for the previous day, until Hamas met certain conditions.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the delay would remain in effect “until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies.” This refers to the way Hamas has staged public handovers of hostages, which U.N. officials have criticized as violations of international law.
The announcement followed Hamas’ release of six Israeli hostages on Saturday under the ongoing truce. With those six being the last living captives expected to be freed in the first phase, Israel is now seeking further assurance, regarding the return of the bodies of four deceased hostages.
Hamas, in response, accused Israel of violating the ceasefire by not proceeding with the planned prisoner releases. The group has previously threatened to halt hostage handovers due to alleged Israeli breaches of the truce, which began on January 19.
Hostage Releases
Among the six hostages freed on Saturday were Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem Tov, and Omer Wenkert, all captured during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. They were handed over to the Red Cross in central Gaza, where Hamas militants staged a public event featuring armed men and cheering crowds. Other released hostages included Tal Shoham and Avera Mengistu, with the latter having been held by Hamas for nearly a decade after entering Gaza voluntarily. Hamas also returned Hisham Al-Sayed, an Arab Israeli citizen, without a public ceremony.
The truce remains under strain due to ongoing disputes. A recent misidentification of a hostage’s remains, believed to be Shiri Bibas – complicated the situation. Hamas later handed over a second body, confirmed by her family to be hers.
Mediators from Qatar and Egypt continue efforts to secure a second phase of the ceasefire, which aims to facilitate the release of 63 remaining hostages, fewer than half of whom are believed to be alive.