IRIA News

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has decided to delay the release of about 600 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, citing “repeated violations” of the ceasefire agreement by Hamas. The move underscores the fragility of the Israel-Hamas deal and raises concerns about the long-term viability of the ceasefire.

The decision follows the release of six Israeli hostages, along with the bodies of four Israelis, by Hamas on Saturday, but Israel expressed anger over what it called “degrading” handover ceremonies. These ceremonies, Israel claims, humiliated the hostages, further straining the delicate ceasefire agreement that began last month. The suspension is likely to heighten tensions between the two sides and complicate future negotiations.

On February 23, Israeli tanks entered the occupied West Bank for the first time since 2002, following a statement from the defense minister that troops will remain in parts of the territory “for the coming year” and that displaced Palestinians will be prevented from returning. On Sunday, journalists observed several tanks entering Jenin, a city historically known for its resistance against Israel.

Prisoner-hostage exchange controversy

Hamas released six Israeli captives on February 22, 2025, and transferred the remains of four others who had died in Gaza. Shortly after, the Israeli Prison Service was preparing to release Palestinian prisoners following the negotiated exchange. The prisoners had been transferred to the Ofer Detention Center near Ramallah, while families gathered in both the West Bank and Gaza in anticipation of their release. Many Palestinians had traveled long distances, arriving in Ramallah in the early hours of the morning to avoid potential delays at Israeli checkpoints.

However, as the day progressed, Israeli officials delayed the release, with reports suggesting the decision was pending a cabinet meeting. By midnight, Netanyahu’s office announced the suspension of prisoners’ release, stating that Israel would not proceed unless it received assurances that future prisoner handovers would be conducted “without degrading rituals.”

Among the six Israeli captives that the Hamas released, an Israeli soldier was seen kissing two Hamas fighters on their heads before turning to wave and blow a kiss to the gathered crowd. Israeli media claimed that the soldier was forced into this gesture, while Hamas maintained that it was voluntary.

The public release of the bodies of the Bibas family also drew Israeli condemnation. The bodies were brought onto a stage before being handed over to the Red Cross, a move that Israeli commentators labeled as offensive to the deceased.

Further controversy arose when Israel’s Abu Kabir Forensic Institute reported that one of the bodies initially provided by Hamas did not belong to Shiri Bibas, the mother of the family. Hamas admitted to a possible misidentification, attributing it to the chaotic circumstances of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. The correct body was later handed over to the Red Cross in a more discreet manner.

Hamas condemns Israel for delaying Palestinian prisoner release

Hamas denounced Netanyahu’s decision to suspend the release of Palestinian prisoners, calling it an act based on “lousy pretexts.” In a statement, the group insisted that the handover ceremonies were not degrading but rather a reflection of the “humane treatment” given to Israeli captives.

“The real degradation is the humiliation and mistreatment to which Palestinian prisoners have been subjected,” Hamas said. Palestinian groups and supporters have pointed out what they see as a double standard in Israel’s response.

Hamas political bureau member Izzat al-Rishq condemned the delay as a “clear violation” of the ceasefire. He also rejected that Hamas used humiliating tactics, accusing Israel of humiliating Palestinian prisoners upon release by binding their hands and blindfolding them.

Hamas officials argue that while Israeli captives were released in staged ceremonies, Palestinian prisoners have faced mistreatment upon release. Reports have emerged of Palestinian detainees showing signs of physical abuse, with some requiring hospitalization after their release.

Additionally, Palestinian prisoners were forced to wear sweatshirts with the phrase “We will not forgive or forget” alongside a Star of David, something that did not trigger the same level of outrage from Israeli or Western media. During a previous prisoner release, the Israeli Prison Service reportedly took photos of Palestinian prisoners kneeling before their release.

Four Palestinian prisoners released last week required immediate hospitalization in Ramallah due to their deteriorating health. One of them, Ameer Abu Raddaha, had lost so much weight that his own family did not recognize him upon his release.

Netanyahu’s political motives

The suspension of the prisoner release comes amid internal political pressure on Netanyahu from his far-right coalition partners. The exchange was supposed to be the seventh out of eight scheduled swaps under the ceasefire deal, and the suspension raises doubts about the second phase of negotiations.

According to Israeli reports, Netanyahu’s security and military advisors had recommended proceeding with the prisoner exchange as planned. However, after discussions with his political cabinet, Netanyahu decided to halt the release.

The second phase of the ceasefire agreement is expected to include negotiations on a long-term truce, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of the remaining Israeli captives. Israel has acknowledged that at least 60 Israeli hostages are still alive in Gaza.

However, Netanyahu’s government, particularly far-right ministers like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, has been vocal about resuming military operations in Gaza rather than moving to a permanent ceasefire. Smotrich has repeatedly threatened to resign if the government does not continue its military campaign.

Israel’s delay in advancing to the second phase of negotiations is also tied to Netanyahu’s recent visit to Washington. During his meeting with then-U.S. President Donald Trump, Trump echoed far-right Israeli rhetoric by suggesting the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. This stance has emboldened Netanyahu’s political allies who oppose any permanent ceasefire agreement.

Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks at risk

With only one week remaining in the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, hopes for a long-term resolution are dwindling. U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff recently met with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, who has been tasked with leading negotiations on the next phase. Dermer also held talks with Qatari Prime Minister Muhammad bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, who is mediating the discussions.

However, Netanyahu’s government has maintained that Israel will not end the war unless Hamas is removed from power in Gaza. Hamas, on the other hand, has stated that it will not agree to a deal unless Israel fully withdraws from Gaza and commits to reconstruction efforts.

Israel deploys tanks and displaces 40,000 in northern West Bank

Israel has ordered its military to prevent displaced Palestinians from returning to three refugee camps in the occupied West Bank, signaling an expansion of a military operation that started last month.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that approximately 40,000 Palestinians were displaced from Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur al-Sharm refugee camps as part of efforts to target militant activity in the region. “I have instructed the IDF to prepare for an extended presence in cleared camps for the next year and to prevent the return of residents and the resurgence of terror,” Katz said.

Meanwhile, Israeli tanks rolled into West Bank for the first time in more than 20 years. The move was criticized by the Palestinian Authority. “This is a dangerous Israeli escalation that will not lead to stability or calm,” said Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesman for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas,