Israeli Prime Minister Suspends Release of Palestinian Prisoners
Delays Follow Humiliating Ceremonies for Israeli Hostages
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the release of Palestinian prisoners under the Gaza ceasefire deal will be delayed until Hamas ends “humiliating ceremonies” it holds while handing over Israeli hostages. The decision was made in light of Hamas’ repeated violations, including the “disgraceful ceremonies that dishonour our hostages and the cynical use of hostages for propaganda,” according to a statement from Netanyahu’s office.
Militants’ Rehearsed Ceremonies
Since the ceasefire came into effect in Gaza on January 19, Hamas has released 25 Israeli hostages in well-rehearsed ceremonies. The events feature masked militants parading the captives on stage, forcing them to wave at Gazans gathered to watch, and even addressing them on a microphone. The hostages are given certificates in Hebrew to mark the end of their captivity before being handed over to Red Cross officials, who then transfer them to Israeli forces.
Criticisms from the UN
On Thursday, militants even handed over the remains of three hostages in coffins at a ceremony, which drew widespread criticism from the United Nations. “The parading of bodies in the manner seen this morning is abhorrent and cruel, and flies in the face of international law,” said UN human rights chief Volker Turk.
Red Cross Calls for Private Release
Hamas has dismissed repeated calls by the Red Cross to release the hostages in private. On Saturday, Hamas released six Israeli hostages as part of the scheduled seventh such hostage-prisoner swap under the fragile first phase of the ceasefire deal. In return, Israel was to release more than 600 Palestinian prisoners. However, Israeli sources said that Netanyahu was expected to decide on the Palestinian prisoners’ releases soon after the hostages were released.
Netanyahu’s Decision
Early on Sunday, Netanyahu announced his decision to suspend the release of Palestinian prisoners until the ceremonies for handing over hostages are halted. The move is seen as a response to the humiliating treatment of Israeli hostages by Hamas militants.
Conclusion
The suspension of the release of Palestinian prisoners is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The decision highlights the ongoing tensions and disagreements between the two sides, particularly with regards to the treatment of hostages and prisoners. The future of the ceasefire deal remains uncertain, with both sides engaging in a delicate dance of negotiations and concessions.
FAQs
* What is the reason for the suspension of the release of Palestinian prisoners?
The suspension is due to Hamas’ “humiliating ceremonies” for Israeli hostages, which Netanyahu’s office has deemed to be a violation of international law.
* What has been the treatment of Israeli hostages by Hamas militants?
Israeli hostages have been paraded on stage, forced to wave at Gazans, and even address them on a microphone, in well-rehearsed ceremonies.
* Has the UN criticized the treatment of Israeli hostages?
Yes, UN human rights chief Volker Turk has described the treatment of the hostages as “abhorrent and cruel, and flies in the face of international law.”
* What is the future of the ceasefire deal?
The deal remains fragile, with both sides engaging in negotiations and concessions. The suspension of the release of Palestinian prisoners is a significant development that could impact the future of the agreement.