Hamas Accuses Israel of Threatening Gaza Truce over Delay in Prisoner Release

Hamas blamed Israel for sabotaging the fragile Gaza truce after Israel delayed releasing over 600 Palestinian prisoners. The release was part of a ceasefire agreement signed after Hamas released six Israeli hostages on Saturday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the release of the prisoners would be delayed until Hamas stops having “humiliating ceremonies” when it releases Israeli hostages.

Hamas spokesman Bassem Naim condemned the delay, calling on international mediators, especially the U.S., to put pressure on Israel to activate the deal and release the prisoners simultaneously. The ceasefire that began on January 19 had halted most of the hostilities that had burned for months, but the second stage of the truce has not begun yet.

Hamas says that Israel’s refusal to negotiate for the second phase of the deal could destabilize the truce and lead to conflict.