TELAVIV: Israel has indefinitely postponed the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners. This move impacts the ongoing ceasefire process. The delay follows the release of six Israeli hostages, including four taken on October 7, 2023.
Hostages Freed
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated the prisoner release will proceed once Hamas ensures the next hostage handover. He criticized Hamas for using hostages for propaganda. The latest freed hostages include four kidnapped from the Nova music festival.
Two other released hostages, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, were held for years. Mengistu was detained in 2014, while al-Sayed was captured in 2015. Their return marks the final phase-one handover under the ceasefire deal.
Families Await Prisoners
Outside Ofer Prison in the West Bank, families gathered, expecting prisoner releases. A mother in Khan Younis awaited her son’s freedom after 33 years. However, Israel’s decision delayed the process, prompting Hamas to accuse it of violating the deal.
Palestinian authorities reported that 50 prisoners had life sentences. Another 60 were serving long terms, while 445 were detained post-October 7. The delay raises concerns about the ceasefire’s stability.
Ceasefire Uncertainty
Mediators are working to restore negotiations and prevent a ceasefire collapse. Israel claims Hamas violated agreements and staged hostage handovers. The Red Cross facilitated hostage releases, transferring them to Israeli forces.
Shoham, one of the freed hostages, was taken while visiting Kibbutz Be’eri. His wife and children were released earlier after 50 days. His family called the reunion an “unforgettable moment.”
Mental Health Concerns
Mengistu, an Ethiopian-Israeli, crossed into Gaza in 2014 and was held since. Al-Sayed, a Bedouin Arab-Israeli, entered Gaza in 2015. Both had prior mental health issues, according to their families.
With 62 Israeli hostages still in captivity, about half are believed alive. No timeline exists for their release, prolonging uncertainty.
