Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indefinitely delayed the scheduled release of Palestinian detainees under the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement, fueling outrage and accusations of bad faith negotiations.

The Israeli government had agreed to release Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire deal but abruptly reversed course late Saturday night, claiming Hamas's so-called "propaganda" ceremonies were the reason for the indefinite delay. Netanyahu’s office cited footage of Israeli captives interacting with their captors before their transfer to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as justification for the suspension.

The delay in implementing the agreement has not only enraged Palestinians but has also drawn backlash from the captives still held in Gaza. A video widely circulated online shows Israeli hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal openly pleading with Netanyahu to negotiate their release.

"Netanyahu, stop! You have finished us, you killed us!" Gilboa-Dalal said in despair. Another captive, Eviatar David, added, "You initiated a deal, continue with it!" The two captives urged Israeli citizens to take to the streets and protest against Netanyahu’s failure to secure their freedom.

The Israeli government’s unwillingness to abide by the ceasefire terms highlights a deeper issue: Netanyahu’s determination to prolong the war in Gaza for political survival. With 63 Israeli captives still in Gaza, including at least 24 believed to be alive, Netanyahu's refusal to prioritize their safe return has led to increased domestic and international scrutiny.

The Palestinian Prisoners Club, a leading advocacy group for detainees, condemned Netanyahu’s decision as "organized terrorism" against Palestinian prisoners and their families. This latest exchange round was supposed to include the release of 602 Palestinian detainees, among them Nael al-Barghouti, the longest-serving Palestinian prisoner.

"The occupation has spared no tool in its relentless campaign of humiliation, abuse, and torture against prisoners and their families," the organization stated.

Israel has consistently cracked down on Palestinian prisoner releases, often raiding the homes of freed detainees and suppressing any celebrations related to their return. Netanyahu’s current move once again exposes Israel’s double standards—demanding the return of its captives while showing complete disregard for Palestinian detainees and their suffering.

The ceasefire agreement was designed as a step toward ending the war on Gaza, but Netanyahu appears determined to derail any progress toward de-escalation. The Israeli prime minister has repeatedly resisted efforts for a long-term truce, prioritizing military aggression over diplomacy. His latest maneuver reinforces growing concerns that he is using the war as a political tool to maintain power while disregarding the lives of both Palestinians and Israeli captives.

With tensions rising and frustration mounting from both Palestinian prisoners’ families and Israelis desperate to see their loved ones return, Netanyahu’s refusal to uphold his commitments only serves to deepen the crisis and prolong the suffering on both sides. (ILKHA)