Israel Says Prisoner Release Delayed Over Hamas’s ‘Repeated Violations’

Netanyahu’s office said the release is on indefinite hold until Hamas can guarantee that the next hostage release will be ‘without the humiliating ceremonies.’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a news conference in Jerusalem, on Sept. 2, 2024. Ohad Zwigenberg /POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Israel announced Sunday it is delaying its release of 602 Palestinian prisoners scheduled for Feb. 22, the same day that Hamas released six more Israeli hostages in “humiliating” conditions.

The exchange was the last with Israeli hostages as part of the first phase of the fragile cease-fire deal.