Hamas official Basem Naim stated on Sunday that any negotiations with Israel through mediators on advancing the ceasefire agreement hinge on the release of Palestinian prisoners as previously agreed.
Meanwhile, Israel announced a delay in freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, which was scheduled for Saturday, citing unmet conditions by Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the release of 620 prisoners would be postponed “until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies,” referring to recent hostage handovers criticized by U.N. officials for violating international law.
The White House supported Israel’s decision, calling the delay an “appropriate response” to Hamas’s treatment of hostages. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes highlighted the “barbaric treatment” of Israeli hostages, while former President Donald Trump expressed readiness to back Israel in “whatever course of action it chooses regarding Hamas.”
Hamas has been accused of staging hostages in front of crowds and forcing them to speak before release. In some cases, coffins containing hostage remains were paraded through the streets.
Naim emphasized that “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 six Israeli captives freed on Saturday.” He insisted mediators must ensure Israel follows the agreed terms.
The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society condemned Israel’s actions, accusing it of “state-terrorism against the prisoners and their families.” Ghasan Washahi, whose brother was scheduled for release, voiced his family’s disappointment: “Every time there was a list of prisoners set to be released, we would wait, hoping Islam’s name would be among them, but it was never there. When his name finally appeared, Israel halted the deal.”
Though accusations of violations have been exchanged since the ceasefire began on January 19, it remains intact. Hamas previously threatened to stop hostage releases over alleged Israeli breaches.
While the ceasefire has paused the conflict, a permanent resolution remains uncertain. Both sides plan to engage in talks on a second phase, focusing on the return of all remaining hostages and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops.
The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked Israeli communities, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli reports. In response, Israel launched a large-scale offensive, which Palestinian health authorities say has killed at least 48,000 people, devastated much of Gaza, and left hundreds of thousands displaced and reliant on humanitarian aid.
