Israel delays release of Palestinian prisoners, citing 'humiliating' handovers of hostages

Nadeen, left, who was waiting for the release of her brother, Ahamd al-Seifi, after he spent 15 years in Israeli jails, is comforted in the West Bank on Feb. 23, 2025, after receiving news that Israel delayed the scheduled Saturday release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Friends of Israeli hostage Omer Shem Tov cheer as they gather to watch his release by the Palestinian Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, in Herzilya near Tel Aviv, Israel, Feb. 22, 2025.

Israel says the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners is delayed "until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies" at handovers of Israeli captives in Gaza.