Israel delays release of Palestinian prisoners, citing ‘degrading’ and ‘cynical’ hostage handovers

Israel has delayed the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners citing the “humiliating” circumstances of previous handovers with Hamas.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the prisoners — who were supposed to be freed Sunday, local time — won’t be let go until Israel receives guarantees for their remaining citizens in Hamas custody.

“In light of the repeated violations by Hamas — including the ceremonies that demean our hostages and the cynical use of our hostages for propaganda purposes — it has been decided to delay the release of terrorists planed for yesterday until the next release of hostages is guaranteed, and without the degrading ceremonies,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office reads, the Times of Israel reported.

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