Netanyahu condemns Hamas’ ‘repeated violations’ against hostages, postpones exchange

Israel has announced a delay in the seventh hostage-prisoner exchange with Hamas in protest of the “humiliating” treatment of hostages by the militant group. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the decision to postpone the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners, which was originally scheduled for Saturday.

In a statement issued by Netanyahu’s office on Sunday morning, Hamas was condemned for their actions during the exchange. The statement cited Hamas’s repeated violations, including ceremonies that humiliated Israeli hostages and the exploitation of hostages for propaganda purposes. As a result, the release of terrorists has been delayed until the next hostages are assured to be released without such humiliating ceremonies.

Reports emerged of Hamas fighters exploiting Israeli prisoners during the exchange. In one instance, five of the six freed hostages were accompanied by armed militants in front of a crowd, with three Israeli hostages forced to pose alongside terrorists. Omer Wenkert, Omer Shem Tov, and Eliya Cohen were among those hostages forced to participate in the ceremony. Shem Tov was even made to appear cheerful, kissing two militants on the head and blowing kisses to the crowd. The three hostages were also made to wear fake army uniforms, despite not being enlisted when captured by Hamas.

Another incident involved Hamas placing four coffins in front of a caricature of Netanyahu with a banner accusing him of being a war criminal. The United Nations also condemned this gesture, calling it “evil and depraved.”

Israeli United Nations Ambassador Danny Danon expressed outrage over Hamas’s actions, criticizing the terrorist organization for their lack of respect for human life, particularly Israeli and Jewish lives. Danon emphasized the need for international condemnation of Hamas and a demand for the immediate return of Israeli hostages.

Furthermore, under international law, the handover of deceased individuals’ remains must comply with regulations prohibiting cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. The United Nations Geneva office, quoting High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, underscored the importance of respecting the dignity of the deceased and their families in such situations.

In conclusion, the delay in the hostage-prisoner exchange reflects Israel’s firm stance against Hamas’s disrespectful treatment of hostages. The international community, including the United Nations, has called for accountability and respect for human rights in such exchanges. The need for a swift and dignified resolution to the hostage situation remains paramount.