Following Israel’s decision yesterday (Sunday) to delay the release of terrorists, and in light of the degrading ceremonies Hamas held for the caskets of the Bibas children, the White House is providing full backing, stating: “This is an appropriate response that has the support of President Trump.”
The Decision to Delay Prisoner Release is an Appropriate Response
Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House, told ynet, “In light of Hamas’s barbaric treatment of the hostages, including the horrific procession of the Bibas children’s caskets through the streets of Gaza, Israel’s decision to delay the release of prisoners is an appropriate response. The president is ready to support Israel in any steps it decides to take against Hamas.”
Delay Decision and Hamas’s “Show of Strength”
As mentioned, yesterday, the Prime Minister’s Office announced the delay of the release of 620 terrorists who were scheduled to be released from prison in exchange for the seventh phase of the hostage deal. According to the announcement, “In light of Hamas’s repeated violations, including the degrading ceremonies of our hostages and the cynical use of hostages for propaganda purposes, it was decided to delay the release of the terrorists until the next hostages are guaranteed to be freed, and without any degrading ceremonies.”
A senior Hamas official, Bassem Naim, responded to the delay, stating that “Hamas will not negotiate with Israel through intermediaries regarding further steps in the fragile ceasefire agreement unless the Palestinian prisoners are released as agreed.”
Witckoff to CNN: Netanyahu Committed to Hostage Release, But Hamas Cannot Control Gaza
Earlier yesterday, Steve Witckoff, President Donald Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, stated that he would visit the region this week, likely on Wednesday, and that the Americans “expect Phase B to be implemented.” In an interview with CNN, the envoy said, “Netanyahu is driven by the right motives; Hamas cannot be part of any government in Gaza.”
He added: “We first need to extend the first phase. I will arrive in the area this week, probably on Wednesday, and we hope to have sufficient time to start Phase B and complete it to free as many hostages as possible and advance the talks.”
Witckoff clarified Netanyahu’s commitment to releasing the hostages, while emphasizing that Hamas could not govern the Strip: “I believe the Prime Minister wants to see hostages released, that’s for sure. He also wants to protect his citizens in the State of Israel. He has a red line, and he specified what it is, that Hamas cannot be the ruler of Gaza when this war ends. We are trying to reconcile the circle.”
