Ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas have hit a roadblock as Israel delayed the planned release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The move comes after Israel accused Hamas of violating terms regarding the handover of hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the release of 620 Palestinian detainees would be postponed until Hamas ensured the safe return of additional Israeli hostages. The statement also criticized Hamas for "humiliating ceremonies" during recent hostage transfers, which the United Nations has said violated international law.
The White House supported Israel’s decision, with National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes describing Hamas’ treatment of hostages as "barbaric" and calling Israel’s response "appropriate." President Donald Trump also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting Israel in its actions against Hamas.
Hamas official Basem Naim, however, insisted that any further ceasefire discussions must be conditional on Israel fulfilling its obligation to release the 620 Palestinian prisoners. He urged mediators to ensure Israel adheres to the agreed terms. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Prisoner's Society condemned Israel’s decision, calling it "state-terrorism against the prisoners and their families."
Families of detainees awaiting release expressed their frustration over the delay. Ghasan Washahi, whose brother was scheduled for release, said his family had waited anxiously for his name to appear on the list, only to face another setback.
The ceasefire, which began on January 19, has temporarily halted hostilities, but both sides continue to exchange accusations of violations. While talks are expected to resume on a second phase aimed at securing the release of all remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops, a lasting resolution to the conflict remains uncertain.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched a cross-border attack that killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, according to Israeli sources. Israel's subsequent military offensive has resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, according to health authorities in Gaza, with much of the territory left in ruins and hundreds of thousands displaced.