Israel Delays Prisoner Release, Demands End to Hamas’ ‘Humiliating Ceremonies’
Israel announced early Sunday that it is delaying the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners—originally slated to be freed on Saturday—until it receives assurances that Hamas will end the “humiliating ceremonies” staged during hostage handovers.
Over 600 inmates had already boarded buses at Ofer prison as part of the largest single-day release under the first phase of the ongoing Gaza ceasefire. However, at the last minute, the prisoners were instructed to disembark, putting their release on hold indefinitely.
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A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the decision followed repeated violations by Hamas, including ceremonies that, according to Israel, demean the dignity of hostages and are used cynically for propaganda purposes. “In light of these violations, it has been decided to delay the release of terrorists planned for yesterday until the next hostage release is guaranteed, and without the humiliating ceremonies,” the statement read, issued shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday.
Palestinian officials in the West Bank were informed of the delay, with the Palestinian Authority’s commission for prisoners’ affairs confirming it “until further notice.” Associated Press footage from the West Bank showed families of prisoners waiting in near-freezing weather, with some visibly distraught.
Under the ceasefire deal, Israel was set to release 602 Palestinian inmates, including 50 serving life sentences and 60 serving long prison terms. The release plan included high-profile detainees such as Nael Barghouti, who spent decades in custody, as well as figures like Ammar Zaban, a former Hamas leader sentenced to 27 life terms. Nearly 100 ex-inmates were slated for deportation upon their release, while others were to return to Gaza, the West Bank, or East Jerusalem.
