Egypt, Qatar press Israel to release 620 Palestinian prisoners following ceasefire dispute

Egypt and Qatar are urging Israel to fulfill its commitment to release 620 Palestinian prisoners, following Hamas’ release of six Israeli captives from Gaza, according to a new report.

An Egyptian official involved in the negotiations told The Associated Press that Egypt refused to discuss any further Israeli demands until the promised Palestinian prisoners were freed.

Despite the ongoing ceasefire, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office abruptly postponed the release, accusing Hamas of staging “provocative ceremonies” during the captive handover.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the events in Gaza as “humiliating,” claiming that Hamas used the hostages for propaganda purposes.

Hamas, however, condemned the delay as a “blatant breach” of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, with aid groups questioning Israel’s failure to meet its obligations under the first phase of the truce.

Both Egypt and Qatar remain firm, insisting that Israel must uphold its commitments before any further negotiations can proceed.

The stalemate threatens to derail the fragile truce and raises tensions over the prisoner exchange process.