Israel suspends release of more than 600 Palestinian prisoners, in another potentially major setback to ceasefire process.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the release would now be delayed until another hostage handover from Hamas was guaranteed, writes A2 CNN.
The Israeli prime minister also urged that what he considered a “degrading ceremony” not be staged. His comments came after six Israeli hostages, including four kidnapped during the deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, were released on Saturday.
Another hostage handover is expected in the first phase of the ceasefire, which will include four bodies of those who lost their lives, writes A2 CNN.
No agreement has yet been reached on the release of other live hostages, which will occur in the second phase of the ceasefire.
Mediators will work to get the deal back on track and avoid a potential collapse of the ceasefire. Netanyahu accused Hamas of “repeated violations,” including “the cynical use of hostages for propaganda purposes.”
In response, Hamas officials strongly condemned the decision to postpone the release of prisoners in a statement on Sunday morning. (A2 Televizion)
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