Israel Halts Palestinian Prisoner Release Amid Tensions

White House Backs Israel's Delay in Palestinian Prisoner Release

On Sunday, the White House expressed its support for Israel's decision to postpone the release of 600 Palestinian prisoners due to Hamas's "barbaric treatment" of Israeli hostages.

National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stated in a statement that the delay is an "appropriate response" to Hamas's treatment of the captives. He emphasized that President Donald Trump "stands with Israel in whatever course of action it chooses regarding Hamas."

People gather as an Israeli tank operates during an Israeli operation in Jenin, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, February 23, 2025.
REUTERS/Raneen Sawafta