Israel halts prisoner release following Hamas violations

Following repeated violations of agreements by Hamas, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced that the planned release of Palestinian prisoners, scheduled for yesterday, has been postponed until the release of additional hostages is secured—without humiliating ceremonies.

This decision comes after Hamas held public displays of hostages in a degrading and cynical manner for the past month.

Meanwhile, Government ministers have been informed that the Bibas family has requested no official government representatives be present at the funeral of their loved ones.

The body of Shiri Bibas-Silverman was transferred late Friday night from the Red Cross to Israeli security forces. She was subsequently taken to the National Forensic Institute in Abu Kabir, where her identity was confirmed within a few hours.

On Friday night, following the identification process, it was confirmed that her two children, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, had been murdered in Hamas captivity in November 2023. However, the second body received was not that of Shiri Bibas, nor did it match any known hostage.

Israel strongly protested Hamas’ breach of the agreement, and after further pressure, Hamas ultimately released Shiri Bibas' remains yesterday (Friday).

Israel’s decision to freeze the release of Palestinian prisoners until further hostage releases are secured marks a tougher approach toward Hamas following a series of violations. The government remains committed to securing the freedom of the remaining hostages and increasing pressure on the terrorist organization.