Washington, D.C., February 24, 2025 – The White House has supported Israel’s decision to delay the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners, citing the “barbaric treatment” of Israeli captives by Hamas, according to a statement from National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes.
US Stands with Israel Amid Ceasefire Dispute
Hughes stated that delaying the release of prisoners was an “appropriate response” to Hamas’s actions. He reaffirmed US President Donald Trump’s support for Israel, saying the administration was prepared to back “whatever course of action it chooses regarding Hamas.”
The delay has caused tensions to rise, with Hamas announcing it would halt negotiations until Israel follows through on its commitment. Two senior Hamas leaders insisted that their group would not engage in further discussions through mediators unless Israel released the prisoners as agreed.
Israel’s Justification and International Response
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the delay, calling the publicized hostage handover ceremonies in Gaza “humiliating” and accusing Hamas of using captives for propaganda. Meanwhile, aid groups and Palestinian organizations have criticized Israel for not fulfilling its obligations under the ceasefire deal.
The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society condemned the decision, accusing Israel of “state terrorism against the prisoners and their families.” Egypt and Qatar are reportedly pushing Israel to proceed with the prisoner release as promised.
Netanyahu Faces Backlash Amid War Rhetoric
At a military graduation ceremony, Netanyahu held up an image of Israeli captives Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, whose remains were recently returned from Gaza. Instead of support, some audience members shouted “Shame!” and “Why didn’t you save them?”
Despite the criticism, Netanyahu maintained a hardline stance, warning that Israel was prepared to resume intensive combat at any moment. He reiterated:
“All of our hostages, without exception, will return home.”
“Hamas will not rule Gaza.”
“Gaza will be demilitarized, and its fighting force dismantled.”
As tensions surrounding the ceasefire and hostage negotiations continue to escalate, international mediators face mounting pressure to keep both sides at the table.
