Israel delays release of Palestinian prisoners, cites ‘humiliating’ handovers of hostages

According to reports, there were 620 Palestinian prisoners ought to be released on Saturday which was already delayed by several hours after six Israeli hostages were released on Saturday.

Since the Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, it was bound to be the largest one-day prisoner release.

Israel pointed out “ceremonies that demean the dignity of our hostages and the cynical use of the hostages for propaganda purposes.” Israel referred to a video which showed two hostages who were yet to be released watching a handover in Gaza on Saturday and speaking under duress.

Israeli hostages, from left to right, Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem and Omer Wenkert, show Hamas issued certificates on a stage after being instructed by militants, before being handed over to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip. (AP Photo)

The five of the six hostages released by the Hamas were escorted alongside the masked men who were heavily armed, a gesture which has been criticized by the United Nations and others as cruel based on the handover of hostages in the past.

With the release of the latest six hostages by the Hamas group, the last six living hostages have been released under the ceasefire ‘s first phase, with a week remaining in the initial stage.

However, the decision of Israel PM’s office to delay the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners has put the truce deal in jeopardy while the deadline of the first phase of ceasefire agreement is approaching on March 1.

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