Source Credit: AL JAZEERA
Jerusalem, Israel: Israel has suspended the planned release of 620 Palestinian detainees after Hamas freed six Israeli hostages on Saturday, a move that has reignited tensions in the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the decision, stating that the release will remain on hold until the next hostages are guaranteed to be freed without what officials described as "rituals of humiliation." The suspension has drawn sharp criticism from Hamas, which accused Israel of violating the terms of the existing agreement.
Hundreds of Palestinian families gathered outside detention centers in anticipation of their loved ones’ freedom, only to be left in despair as authorities abruptly called off the exchange. Many had traveled from across the West Bank, waiting anxiously outside prisons, only to receive news that the process had been indefinitely delayed. In Ramallah, the governor arranged temporary shelter for those stranded by the sudden decision. One woman, standing outside Ofer Prison, clutched a photo of her son and wept, saying, “We were promised their release. Now they tell us to wait again?”
Hamas now faces a critical dilemma—whether to continue the ceasefire or return to fighting. Experts warn that backing out of the deal could reignite violence, while complying without guarantees might be seen as a sign of weakness. Said Arikat, a professor at the American University, noted that Hamas is treading a fine line, balancing negotiations with pressure from within its own ranks.
Since the October 7 attacks, 251 hostages have been taken by Hamas. Of those, 138 have been released in previous exchanges, but 61 remain in captivity, with Israel declaring 31 of them dead. So far, 40 bodies have been retrieved, while five non-Israelis, including Thai, Nepalese, and Tanzanian nationals, are still held. On Saturday, Hamas returned the remains of Shiri Bibas, days after mistakenly handing over the wrong body. Her family, devastated by the loss, has demanded answers about the fate of her two young sons, Kfir and Ariel, who were abducted alongside her.
The fragile truce, set to last until March 1, hinges on further exchanges. Hamas is expected to return four more bodies, while Israel is meant to complete the release of all Palestinian women and children in custody. But with Israel refusing to proceed and Hamas warning of consequences, the ceasefire’s future hangs by a thread.
