On Sunday, the White House voiced its backing for Israel’s decision to hold off on releasing more than 600 prisoners associated with terrorist activities. “Given Hamas’ barbaric treatment of the hostages, including the hideous parade of the Bibas children’s coffins through the streets of Gaza, Israel’s decision to delay the release of prisoners is an appropriate response,” said Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council. He further stated that President Trump “is prepared to support Israel in whatever course of action it chooses regarding Hamas.”
Early Sunday morning, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that, due to Hamas’ consistent breaches of agreements, the release of terrorist prisoners that had been planned for Saturday would be postponed. The PMO cited one of the key reasons for this decision as the degrading ceremonies that involved humiliating the hostages and the cynical manipulation of them for propaganda purposes.
The Prime Minister’s Office made it clear that the release of prisoners will only happen once there is assurance that additional hostages will be freed, and it will not involve any further demeaning ceremonies. As a result, the terrorists who had been scheduled for release were taken off the buses and returned to their prison cells. Israel had intended to release 620 prisoners, including 71 who had been sentenced to life and 60 who were serving lengthy sentences.
{Matzav.com Israel}