Mediators reach agreement over delayed release of Palestinian prisoners, Source

CAIRO – 25 February 2025: An informed Egyptian source said on Tuesday that the mediators reached an agreement to release all Palestinian prisoners who were scheduled to be released last week, according to al Qahera news channel.

The source added that the release of all Palestinian prisoners will take place simultaneously with the delivery of the bodies of the four Israeli detainees and under Egyptian supervision.

In another statement, Hamas announced that an agreement has been reached to resolve the problem of delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners who were supposed to be released in the last batch.

The movement added that Palestinian prisoners will be released simultaneously with the bodies of the Israeli detainees who were agreed to be handed over during the first phase.

The statement also noted that Hamas delegation headed by Khalil Al-Hayya concluded its visit to Cairo, where they met with Egyptian officials, and discussed the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, the prisoner exchange agreement, and the prospects for the second phase of negotiations. The movement's delegation stressed its clear position on the need for full and precise commitment to all its provisions and stages.

As Israel postponed the release of Palestinian prisoners scheduled for Saturday under the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, Hamas has called for the global community, particularly mediators, to exert pressure on Tel Aviv.

In recent weeks, Hamas has handed over Israeli captives to the Red Cross amid crowds of Palestinians, including women and children who have been devastated by the war, losing their families, loved ones, homes, and essential services over the past 16 months.

The captives are brought onto the stage, standing between Hamas fighters, and typically speak into microphones before they are released under the agreement, brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the United States.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the release of Palestinian prisoners would be delayed until "the next release of hostages is guaranteed and without the humiliating ceremonies."

Hamas condemned the Israeli announcement, stating that it reveals Tel Aviv’s "evasions of the agreement’s obligations."

Ezzat El Rashq, a member of Hamas's political bureau, emphasized that the handover ceremonies "do not involve any humiliation of the prisoners; rather, they reflect humane and dignified treatment."

Rashq criticized the humiliation endured by Palestinian prisoners during their release from Israeli custody, noting that they suffer torture, beatings, and deliberate humiliation until their release.

He added, "Palestinian prisoners are released with their hands bound and eyes blindfolded, while their families are threatened with prohibitions on celebrating their loved ones' return."

On Saturday, Hamas released six Israeli captives from Gaza: Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen, Omer Wenkert, Hisham al-Sayed, Tal Shoham, and Avera Mengistu, as part of the seventh prisoner swap under the agreement.

Over the past days, Hamas also returned the bodies of four Israeli captives it asserted were killed by Israeli bombardment during the war, including members of the Bibas family: a mother and her two children.

In return, Israeli authorities were set to release 620 Palestinian prisoners and detainees later that day, including many captured during the Gaza war that erupted in October 2023, as well as dozens serving life sentences.