Israel says the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners is delayed “until release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies” at handovers of Israeli captives in Gaza. The statement by PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s office came early Sunday as military vehicles that normally move in advance of the buses carrying prisoners left the open gates of Ofer prison, only to turn around and go back in.
The release of 620 Palestinians had been delayed for several hours and was meant to occur just after six Israeli hostages were released Saturday. It was meant to be the largest one-day prisoner release in Gaza ceasefire‘s first phase. Israel’s announcement abruptly put the future of the truce into further doubt. The Israeli statement was likely a reference to a video released by Hamas showing two hostages who have yet to be released watching Saturday’s handover and speaking under duress.
Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire deal and said Netanyahu was “deliberately stalling”, a clear violation of the terms.