Israel has delayed the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners, saying it will not proceed until the next hostage release is confirmed and without humiliating ceremonies by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. 

 

 

The decision came after Hamas staged public handovers of six Israeli hostages, yesterday. 

 

 

In a statement the Israeli government said, the release would be delayed until the release of the next hostages is guaranteed, and without the degrading ceremonies at handovers of Israeli captives in Gaza.

 

 

The statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office came as vehicles apparently carrying prisoners left the open gates of Ofer prison, only to turn around and go back in. 

 

 

The prisoners were set to be freed after Hamas released six hostages yesterday, making it the largest planned exchange in the current ceasefire. 

 

 

The hostages included men taken from the Nova music festival and civilians held for years after entering Gaza. 

 

 

Some were forced to wear fake military uniforms and pose with Hamas fighters. Israel condemned the scenes, particularly a video showing two hostages still in captivity watching the handovers. 

 

 

Meanwhile, Hamas has accused Israel of violating the truce deal by delaying the prisoner release. 

 

 

The ceasefire, which has temporarily halted intense fighting, remains uncertain. Hamas has said it will only free more hostages if Israel agrees to a full withdrawal from Gaza and a lasting ceasefire.