the Israeli enemy has abruptly delayed the release of Palestinian prisoners and detainees scheduled for release today following the return of Israeli captives.
Israeli media reported that the halt follows “protests sparked by the scenes of the release of the captives in Khan Younis,” without elaborating.
The report noted that the Palestinian prisoners and detainees had already boarded the buses and were on their way out of Ofer prison when they were unexpectedly ordered off.
Meanwhile, Israeli outlets cited a decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Security Minister Israel Katz to postpone the release until a “safe exit” is ensured for Israeli captives in future exchanges, although no safety-related incident was recorded in this exchange or any other.
Talking about “safe exit”, it is worth mentioning that several Palestinian prisoners and detainees were repeatedly assaulted and brutally beaten by Israeli occupation forces shortly before their release.
Israeli Army Radio, quoting a senior official, stated, “Just as they delayed the release of our hostages, we will also delay the release of Palestinian prisoners.”
It is worth noting that “Israel” has previously suspended the release of Palestinian detainees and prisoners under various pretexts, using the tactic as a psychological leverage in negotiations and to manage public perception.
The released Israeli captives have all returned in good health and have expressed gratitude gestures toward Resistance fighters during the exchange, sparking outrage within the Israeli government.
Later, the Prisoners’ Information Office announced that after following up on the matter with mediators, the obstruction from the Israeli side was resolved and the process of the release of the Palestinian prisoners will resume. They are expected to be released at 5:00 pm, Palestine local time.
