Israel halts release of Palestinian prisoners
Israel has suspended the release of Palestinian prisoners in protest at the process of returning hostages held by Hamas, The Times of Israel reported, citing a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
According to reports, when the process was suspended, the Palestinian prisoners had already been put on buses and taken outside the prison grounds.
Israel has contacted Qatari and Egyptian mediators to express its displeasure over Hamas' latest prisoner swap. Prime Minister Netanyahu has reacted swiftly to the events that unfolded when the freed citizens, Arbel Ehud and Gadi Moshe Moses, were being handed over to the Red Cross.
"I demand that such horrific scenes not be repeated and that the safety of the hostages be guaranteed," Netanyahu said.
The decision could mark a new turning point in Israel's policy towards Palestinian prisoners. There has been no official explanation for the return of Palestinians, including political prisoners, who were due to be released.
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