Israeli PM Netanyahu delays release of Palestinian prisoners amid Hamas controversy

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the planned release of Palestinian prisoners, as part of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, has been postponed. 

The delay comes in response to “humiliating ceremonies” conducted by Hamas during the release of Israeli hostages.

“Given the repeated violations by Hamas, particularly the humiliating ceremonies that dishonor our hostages and the cynical use of them for propaganda purposes, it has been decided to delay the release of the terrorists [Palestinians imprisoned in Israeli detention centers] until we ensure that the release of future hostages occurs without these degrading ceremonies,” Netanyahu said. 

This decision was made regarding the release initially scheduled for Saturday.