‘Blatant violation’: Hamas slams Israel as release of Palestinians delayed

Hamas strongly condemned Israel's decision to postpone the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners, calling Israel's claim that the handover ceremony was "humiliating" false and an excuse for Israel to evade its obligations under the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Hamas views this move by Israel as a blatant violation of the agreement, signaling a potential breakdown in trust between the parties.

Hamas Political Bureau member Ezzat El Rashk stated in a statement on Sunday that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's decision reflects a deliberate attempt to undermine the agreement, a blatant violation of its terms, and demonstrates a lack of credibility on the part of the occupying power in fulfilling its obligations. This statement underscores Hamas's strong dissatisfaction with Israel's actions, further escalating tensions.

Israel was originally scheduled to release 620 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday. This followed Hamas's adherence to the ceasefire agreement by releasing six Israeli hostages from Gaza, the last group of living hostages to be released in the first phase of the ceasefire. Netanyahu stated earlier on Sunday that the release of the Palestinians would be postponed until Hamas ceases the "humiliating ceremonies" when releasing Israeli hostages, introducing new demands not explicitly stipulated in the ceasefire agreement.

Netanyahu's office stated in a statement: "Given Hamas's repeated violations of the regulations – including the disgraceful ceremonies that humiliate our hostages and the cynical propaganda exploitation of the hostages – it has been decided to postpone the release of the terrorists that was scheduled for yesterday [Saturday] until the release of the next group of hostages is ensured, without humiliating ceremonies." Hamas accused Netanyahu of playing "dirty games to disrupt and sabotage" the agreement, suggesting a deliberate attempt to derail the peace process.

Hamas stated that "the prisoner handover ceremonies do not contain any insults to them, but rather reflect high-level humane treatment," referring to the arrangements for the release of hostages, and called on the mediating countries to ensure Israel complies with the terms of the agreement. Since the ceasefire came into effect on January 19, Hamas has released 25 Israeli hostages and held high-profile handover ceremonies, with masked militants parading and displaying the hostages on stage, drawing criticism and fueling the controversy.

Al Jazeera's correspondent in Amman, Jordan, Nour Odeh, stated that Israel's decision to postpone the release of Palestinian prisoners was issued against the advice of Israeli security agencies by Netanyahu. "There are many questions and many dashed hopes, and a lot of work that needs to be done by the mediators, who have been working to secure the release of Palestinian prisoners and Israeli hostages," Odeh said, highlighting the fragile nature of the agreement and the challenges faced by mediators.

In Gaza and the occupied West Bank, Palestinian families waited for hours on Saturday for their loved ones to be released from Israeli prisons. The Palestinian Prisoners' Association stated that Israel would release 620 prisoners, most of whom were from Gaza and detained during the war. "We have been sitting on chairs for hours, but after hours, nothing. But what else can we do?" Khaled Khalil Jabarin, an uncle of a detainee, told Al Jazeera, expressing the frustration and disappointment felt by families awaiting the release of their loved ones.

Shireen Hamamreh, the sister of another Palestinian prisoner, told Al Jazeera that the wait was "very difficult." Fatiha Abu Abdullah, a mother in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, said: "We wait for them, hug them, see them, but Netanyahu is always procrastinating." "God willing, they will be released soon," she added, conveying a mixture of hope and resignation amidst the uncertainty.

Netanyahu stated later on Sunday that Israel was prepared to resume fighting in Gaza. "We are prepared to resume intense fighting at any time, and our operational plans are ready," the Israeli leader said. "In Gaza, we have eliminated most of Hamas's organized forces, but there is no doubt – we will completely achieve the goals of the war, either through negotiations or otherwise," he added, signaling a potential return to conflict if diplomatic efforts fail.

U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs Steve Witkoff remains optimistic about the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, telling CNN on Sunday that he expects the agreement to continue. "We have to extend the first phase, so I will be traveling to the region this week, probably on Wednesday, to negotiate," Witkoff said, indicating ongoing efforts to maintain the ceasefire and advance the peace process, despite the recent setbacks.