Israel has delayed the scheduled release of Palestinian detainees, stating that the exchange will not proceed until assurances are made for the release of additional Israeli hostages.
“The decision has been made to postpone the release of terrorists planned for yesterday until the next group of hostages is freed, without any humiliating ceremonies,” the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced.
Hamas condemned the delay, calling it a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire agreement. The group accused Israel of failing to uphold its commitment to the negotiated terms.
The prisoner exchange is expected to resume once Hamas releases more hostages, though the specifics of ongoing negotiations remain unclear as tensions between the two sides persist.
The delay follows Hamas’ release of six Israeli hostages on Saturday as part of a fragile truce agreement, which includes the exchange of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, the ceasefire, now approaching the end of its initial phase, remains precarious.
The latest hostage releases have stirred deep emotions in Israel. Among the developments, Israeli authorities confirmed the identification of Shiri Bibas’ remains. Bibas, along with her two young sons, was among those taken hostage during Hamas’ attack on Israel, an incident that led to more than 15 months of conflict in Gaza.
During a staged event in Nuseirat, central Gaza, masked Hamas fighters presented three hostages—Eliya Cohen, 27, Omer Shem Tov, 22, and Israeli-Argentine Omer Wenkert, 23—who were later handed over to the Red Cross and returned to Israel. An AFP correspondent reported that they waved while holding certificates of release.
In Rafah, southern Gaza, two other hostages—Tal Shoham, 40, and Avera Mengistu, 38—were also released. Both appeared disoriented, with Shoham forced to speak before a crowd while flanked by masked gunmen dressed in black.
In Tel Aviv, a large crowd at “Hostages Square” erupted in cheers and tears as they watched a live broadcast of the moment.
A sixth hostage, 37-year-old Hisham al-Sayed, was later freed and returned to Israel, according to the military.
Sayed, a Bedouin Muslim, and Mengistu, an Ethiopian Jew, had both been held in Gaza for nearly a decade after entering the territory separately.
Mengistu’s family expressed relief after years of uncertainty. “Our family has endured 10 years and five months of unimaginable suffering,” they said in a statement.
Sayed’s relatives called his return “a long-awaited moment,” while Shoham’s family wept as they watched his release.
The ongoing exchange is part of a ceasefire deal that began on January 19 and is set to expire in early March. However, with continued delays and rising tensions, the future of the agreement remains uncertain.
