Hamas accused Israel on Saturday of violating the Gaza ceasefire deal by delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif Al-Qanou condemned the postponement as a “blatant violation,” urging mediators to pressure Israel into fulfilling its commitments.
Israeli broadcaster KAN reported the delay followed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security consultations on the next phase of negotiations.
Hamas leader Zaher Jabbarein warned that Israel risked losing mediators’ trust and accused Netanyahu of undermining regional stability.
Israel was set to release 620 Palestinian prisoners Saturday as part of the seventh exchange batch, while Hamas transferred six Israeli captives earlier in the day.
The ceasefire, in effect since last month, paused Israel’s offensive, which has killed over 48,300 people, mostly women and children.
Israel faces war crimes charges at the International Criminal Court and a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
