Washington DC [US]: The White House has backed Israel’s decision to delay the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners, citing concerns over the “barbaric treatment” of Israeli captives by Hamas, according to a report by Al Jazeera.
Delaying the prisoner release is an “appropriate response,” said National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes, as quoted by Al Jazeera.
US President Donald Trump has also expressed full support for Israel, stating that he is prepared to back the country “in whatever course of action it chooses regarding Hamas.”
Hamas Halts Negotiations Until Prisoners Are Freed
Two senior Hamas leaders have stated that the Palestinian group will not participate in further discussions with Israel through mediators until the 620 Palestinian prisoners, who were supposed to be freed on Saturday, are released.
The delay in the prisoner release has intensified tensions in the ongoing Gaza truce talks. Hamas had earlier announced it would suspend negotiations until Israel fulfills its promise to release the detainees.
Despite Hamas freeing six Israeli captives, Israel postponed the scheduled release of Palestinian prisoners.
Netanyahu Criticizes Hamas, Faces Public Backlash
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Hamas, calling the captive handover ceremonies in Gaza “humiliating” and accusing the group of using captives for “propaganda.”
Meanwhile, aid organizations have raised concerns over Israel’s failure to uphold the terms of the ceasefire by not releasing the Palestinian detainees. The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society accused Israel of engaging in “state terrorism” against prisoners and their families.
Egypt and Qatar are reportedly pressuring Israel to fulfill its commitment and release the 620 Palestinian prisoners, as per Al Jazeera.
During a speech at a military graduation, Netanyahu faced criticism over the ongoing war in Gaza. While holding up a picture of captives Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir—whose remains were recently returned from Gaza—some audience members shouted, “Shame!” and “Why didn’t you save them?”
Netanyahu: Israel Ready for Further Combat
Netanyahu responded to the criticism by stating that Israel is “ready to return at any moment to intensive combat.” According to The Times of Israel, he assured that operational plans were in place and vowed total victory.
“All of our hostages, without exception, will return home,” Netanyahu stated. “Hamas won’t rule Gaza. Gaza will be demilitarized, and its fighting force will be dismantled.”