UK – The New Arab, February 23, 2025
The release of 602 Palestinian prisoners by Israel has been postponed after Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of “violations” of the ceasefire.
Talks with Israel through mediators on further steps in a ceasefire agreement are conditional on Palestinian prisoners being released as agreed, Hamas official Basem Naim said on Sunday.
Israel said on Sunday it was delaying the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners it had planned to free the day before until militant group Hamas met its conditions.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that Israel was waiting to deliver the 620 Palestinian prisoners and detainees “until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies.”
That was a reference to recent handovers by Hamas that UN officials have said went against international law because they were not respectful.
Hamas has made hostages appear on stage in front of crowds and sometimes speak before they were handed over. Coffins with hostage remains have also been carried through crowds.
“Any talks with the enemy through mediators regarding any upcoming steps are conditional on the release of the 620 Palestinian prisoners agreed upon in exchange for the four bodies and the six Israeli captives who were freed on Saturday,” Naim, a member of the Hamas political bureau, told Reuters. “The mediators must ensure that the enemy adheres to the terms of the agreement as stated in the agreed-upon text.”
