“Given Hamas’ repeated violations—including a humiliating ceremony that disrespected our hostages and their cynical use for propaganda—it has been decided to delay the release of Palestinian prisoners that was scheduled for yesterday (Saturday) until the next release of hostages can be ensured, without such humiliating ceremonies,” read the statement from Netanyahu’s office, as reported by AFP on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
Hamas responded swiftly, condemning the delay and accusing Israel of trying to avoid fulfilling its obligations under the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Ezzat El Rashq, a senior political member of Hamas, stated that the decision was a deliberate attempt by Israel to undermine the deal.
"Netanyahu’s decision reflects a deliberate attempt to disrupt the agreement, a clear violation of its terms, and shows the occupation’s lack of reliability in fulfilling its commitments," said El Rashq in a statement reported by Al Arabiya on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
Hamas further emphasized that the ceremony was not disrespectful but rather a humane act of recognition. “The release ceremony was not a humiliation to the hostages but a reflection of the humane and dignified treatment they received,” the group said, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Since the ceasefire began on January 19, Hamas has freed 25 Israeli hostages. The hostages were released in public ceremonies, during which they were paraded on stage, waved to Gaza crowds, and given certificates in Hebrew before being handed over to the Red Cross, who then transferred them to Israeli forces.
The delay in releasing Palestinian prisoners has sparked anger among their families. Bassam al-Khatib, a Palestinian citizen, expressed disappointment, saying, “Families of the prisoners are angry, sad, and frustrated. The mediators need to step in so we can celebrate the release of our loved ones, which was supposed to happen today.”
Netanyahu, meanwhile, indicated that Israel is ready to resume military operations in Gaza if necessary. “We are prepared to resume heavy fighting at any moment; our operational plans are ready,” he said during a ceremony with combat troops, following the halt of the prisoner release, as reported by AFP on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
The Gaza ceasefire, which began on January 19, has largely ended the fierce fighting that had persisted for over 15 months. The first phase of the ceasefire is set to conclude in early March, with negotiations for the next phase still pending. This next phase is intended to permanently end the conflict, which was triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Israel was expected to release over 600 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday in exchange for six Israeli hostages freed by Hamas. However, Netanyahu has delayed the release, demanding that Hamas end its "humiliating" ceremonies during hostage handovers. Hamas, in turn, accuses Israel of jeopardizing the Gaza ceasefire by stalling the release of Palestinian prisoners.