Israel delays prisoner release, charging Hamas with the “cynical use of the hostages for propaganda purposes.”
The fragile Gaza cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas is under severe strain as both parties accuse each other of violations, casting doubt on the truce’s durability.
On Sunday, Israel announced a delay in the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners, initially scheduled for the previous day, with the government accusing the Hamas militant group of “repeated violations” of the cease-fire agreement, including the “cynical use of the hostages for propaganda purposes.”
Israel’s decision came after Hamas released six Israeli hostages on Saturday, during which the group’s public displays were criticized as violating international law.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that the libreration of more Palestinian prisoners would proceed only when “the release of the next hostages is guaranteed, and without the rituals of humiliation.”
Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq condemned Israel’s postponement the release of the Palestinian prisoners and rejected Netanyahu’s accusations. « The occupation’s claim that « the handover ceremony is humiliating » is a false claim and a flimsy pretext aimed at evading the agreement’s obligations, » he said in a statement.
“The real insult is what our prisoners are subjected to during the release process, from torture, beatings and deliberate humiliation until the last moments,” he added.
Israel and Hamas have frequently accused each other of violations since the Gaza cease-fire started on Jan. 19. On Feb. 10, Hamas postponed the release of additional Israeli captives, citing Israeli violations of the agreement. In response, Netanyahu warned that the cease-fire would end if Hamas did not release hostages as planned.