Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the release of Palestinian prisoners would be delayed until Hamas ceases its "humiliating ceremonies" during the release of Israeli hostages under the ceasefire deal.
Israel had planned to release 602 Palestinian prisoners, including 60 serving long sentences, 50 serving life terms, and 47 re-arrested after their 2011 release in exchange for captive IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.
"In light of Hamas's repeated violations, including the ceremonies that humiliate our hostages and the cynical exploitation of our hostages for propaganda purposes, it has been decided to delay the release of terrorists that was planned for yesterday until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies," Netanyahu's office stated.
Since the ceasefire began on January 19, Hamas has released 25 Israeli hostages in highly publicised handovers. Videos have shown masked Hamas operatives parading captives in front of gathered crowds, forcing them to wave as part of what Israel calls a propaganda stunt.
The delayed announcement comes after a challenging time in Israel, where the remains of hostage Shiri Bibas were identified following the previous exchange of an incorrect body.
Israel confirmed on Saturday that Bibas, who had been held captive by Hamas since October 7, 2023, was murdered along with her two young sons, Ariel, 4, and Kfir, 9 months, in November 2023.
The announcement came after Hamas initially handed over the body of a Palestinian woman instead of Bibas. Israeli officials later confirmed that the Bibas family was brutally murdered over a year ago.
Their deaths marked the loss of three generations of the family. Bibas' parents, Yossi and Margit Silberman, were killed in the Hamas-led attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7.
Hamas had been expected to return the remains of Bibas and her sons on Thursday, along with fellow hostage Oded Lifshitz. While the remains of Ariel, Kfir, and Lifshitz were confirmed, the fourth body provided by Hamas was not Bibas but an unnamed Palestinian woman.
Meanwhile, in the latest hostage-prisoner exchange, six Israeli hostages were released at different times on Saturday. Hamas released videos showing the captives emerging from vehicles in Rafah, appearing frail and malnourished.
‘Pahalgam incident deeply disturbing & tragic’: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack as disturbing & tragic and also condoled the victims and their families.
Congress finally deletes 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi after outrage
Under fire from the BJP over its social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress finally, on Tuesday, took down the controversial post.
Guterres calls EAM Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif; stresses pursuing justice in Pahalgam terror attack
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of pursuing justice in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while speaking with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
Congress organises ‘Save Constitution’ rallies across NE states
The opposition Congress has been organising ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ (Save Constitution) campaign in the northeastern states. Claiming that the Constitution is in danger under the BJP-led Central government, the opposition Congress held a massive rally in Agartala on Tuesday.
RSS chief Bhagwat meets PM Modi after security huddle: Signs of a hard-hitting response in the works
In a significant political development, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday evening.
What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unambiguous message during a high-level security meeting - ‘India is determined to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism’ - marks more than just a strong statement of resolve.
Justice BR Gavai appointed as next Chief Justice of India
Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 29, 2019. Appointed as Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003, he became a permanent Judge in November 2005.
Three more Bangladeshi nationals held in Tripura
The Tripura Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday apprehended three Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegally entering India, officials said.