After Netanyahu’s Delay, Israel to Release 620 Palestinian Detainees as Scheduled

Gaza (Quds News Network)- Israel is set to release 620 Palestinian detainees after days of stalling by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced Hamas. The release will now proceed as originally scheduled, following a deal reached with Hamas. The agreement ensures the detainees will be freed alongside the transfer of Israeli prisoner remains, as well as additional Palestinian women and children.

Hamas had stated that Israel violated the ceasefire agreement, in place since January 19, by freezing the release of Palestinian detainees. The movement insisted that Israel failed to uphold its commitments, even after Hamas released Israeli prisoners as agreed. Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi warned that no further negotiations would take place unless Israel fulfilled its commitments.

Netanyahu’s office announced on Sunday that the delay was due to concerns over “humiliating ceremonies” after an Israeli prisoner expressed gratitude to Hamas fighters upon release, kissing their foreheads. However, mounting pressure from mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, led Israel to comply with the agreement.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s genocide in Gaza, backed by the United States, has resulted in over 160,000 Palestinian casualties, including thousands of missing persons. Most victims were women and children.

The first phase of the ceasefire agreement, which began on January 19, included three phases, each lasting 42 days. The second phase, initially set to begin on February 3, has been stalled due to Netanyahu’s reluctance to move forward, attempting to resume the genocide.