The White House Supports Israel's Decision to Delay the Release of Palestinian Prisoners

The spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House, referring to the 'brutal behavior' of the extremist group Hamas with hostages, announced that the United States supports Israel's decision to delay the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners. Brian Hughes stated in a statement on Sunday evening, March 5, that the delay in the release of prisoners is a 'suitable response' to the behavior of Palestinian militia groups with hostages. He also emphasized that President Donald Trump is prepared to support Israel in 'any action it chooses against Hamas.' The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced early Sunday that the release of 602 Palestinian prisoners, which was scheduled for Saturday, will be delayed until the extremist group Hamas guarantees an end to the 'humiliating' ceremonies during the handover of hostages. Hamas is recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union, and the United Nations has described their behavior during the handover of Israeli hostages as 'contrary to international law' and 'disrespectful.' Meanwhile, Basem Naeem, a member of Hamas's political bureau, told Reuters that negotiations regarding the second phase of the ceasefire are contingent upon the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners, who were to be freed in exchange for the handover of six hostages and four Israeli corpses. The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement ends on March 1 (next Saturday), and details of the second phase have yet to be determined. However, Steve Wittecuff, Donald Trump's special representative for Middle East affairs, told CNN, 'We need to extend the first phase [to the next phase], so I will likely go to the region this week on Wednesday to negotiate that.'