Hamas reacts to “Israel” delaying Palestinian detainees’ release

Hamas strongly condemned “Israel’s” decision to delay the release of Palestinian detainees, saying that this “once again exposes the occupation’s evasion tactics and its failure to fulfill its commitments.”

Hamas denied that the ceremonies held for the captive handover is “humilation”, but rather a humane and dignified approach to their treatment.

“The real humiliation lies in the torture, beatings, and deliberate degradation that our prisoners endure during the release process, right up until the last moments,” the statement said.

“Palestinian prisoners are released while handcuffed and blindfolded, and their families are threatened with not holding any welcoming celebrations for their freed loved ones,” it continued.

Read more: Hebrew media claims hair loss signals deteriorating captivity conditions

In the seventh scheduled prisoner swap, Hamas released six “Israeli” captives on Saturday while “Israel” put off releasing Palestinian prisoners.

“Israeli” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that freeing Palestinian detainees under the Gaza ceasefire deal will be delayed until Hamas ends its "humiliating ceremonies" while releasing “Israeli” captives.

“Israel” had been expected to release more than 600 Palestinian detainees.

"In light of Hamas' repeated violations -- including the disgraceful ceremonies that dishonour our hostages and the cynical use of hostages for propaganda -- it has been decided to delay the release of terrorists", Netanyahu's office said in a statement Sunday.

The delay will last "until the release of the next hostages is ensured, without the humiliating ceremonies", it added.

From Washington, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Hamas would be "destroyed" if it did not release all remaining captives.

Families of the Palestinian detainees, meanwhile, waited hours on Saturday for their loved ones to be released from “Israeli” custody, only to be disappointed.

Read more: Hamas comments on Bibas family’s killing

Earlier on Thursday, the first transfer of dead captives under the truce sparked anger in “Israel” after analysis concluded that captive Shiri Bibas's remains were not among the four bodies returned.

Hamas admitted a possible "mix-up of bodies", and late Friday handed over more human remains, which the Bibas family said had been identified as Shiri's.