Israel Delays Prisoner Release Over Hamas Propaganda Stunts

Netanyahu cites 'humiliating' public displays during hostage handovers as a breach of the truce agreement.

Israel postponed the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners, originally planned for Saturday, citing Hamas's use of hostage handovers for propaganda purposes.
Hamas staged public ceremonies for the release of six Israeli hostages, involving armed fighters, large crowds, and coerced performances by the captives.
The Israeli government condemned these acts as psychological abuse and a violation of the ceasefire agreement, delaying the prisoner exchange until future handovers meet their conditions.
Among the released hostages were individuals held for years prior to the 2023 conflict, while 62 hostages remain in Gaza, including 35 confirmed dead.
International criticism has mounted against Hamas for its treatment of hostages, with the UN and U.S. officials calling the actions cruel and demanding the immediate release of all captives.