Israel has said that the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will not be done “until the hostage in Gaza is held and the release of the people is ensured and the hostage is not closed”.
The office of Prime Minister of the country Benjamin Netanyahu made this statement on Sunday when the vehicles carrying the prisoners returned inside after exiting the main gate of the ‘Offer Jail’.
Hamas released six Israeli hostages on Saturday. Soon after, 620 Palestinian prisoners were to be released but it has not been done yet.
Five of the six hostages released on Saturday brought masked armed extremists on stage in front of the crowd after which they were released. This method has been condemned by the United Nations and other organizations.
Hamas has probably survived the last six hostages under the first phase of the ceasefire. Israel’s declaration of delay in release of prisoners has suddenly raised more doubts about the future of the ceasefire agreement.
Three of the six hostages abanded by Hamas are Israeli men, who were imprisoned from the Nova concert when the extremists of Hamas were attacked on 7 October 2023.
After this attack, Israel launched a war against Hamas in Gaza Patti. Two of the hostages were held hostage by Hamas for almost a decade. Both of them alone entered Gaza. The five were brought on stage and submitted to the rescuers thereafter.
This method has been condemned by ‘Red Cross’ and Israel, calling it cruel and derogatory. Omar Venkart, Omar Shem Tove and Elia Cohen were erected with Hamas fighters. Shem Tove, who is under pressure, kissed the foreheads of two extremists and kissed the crowd. He was wearing fake army uniforms, while he is not army soldiers.