Sun Feb 23 01:33:46 UTC 2025: ## Netanyahu Delays Prisoner Release After Hamas Hostage Handoff Ceremonies

**Jerusalem, February 23, 2025** – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a delay in the release of Palestinian prisoners, a key component of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The decision follows what Israel considers humiliating ceremonies conducted by Hamas during the handover of Israeli hostages.

Since the January 19th ceasefire, Hamas has released 25 Israeli hostages in highly publicized events, featuring masked militants and forced public appearances by the freed captives. These ceremonies, including the recent handover of the remains of three hostages in coffins, have drawn international condemnation, with UN human rights chief Volker Turk calling the display “abhorrent and cruel.”

Netanyahu’s office stated that the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners, scheduled for Saturday, February 22nd, has been postponed until Hamas ceases these ceremonies and ensures future hostage releases occur without such public displays. While six more hostages were released on Saturday, the planned reciprocal release of Palestinian prisoners has been put on hold. Hamas has consistently rejected calls for private releases, insisting on the staged events. The delay has sparked reactions amongst Palestinian families in the West Bank. This situation highlights the continued tension and fragility of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

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