Netanyahu bows to pressure as Israel releases 620 Palestinian prisoners

CAIRO – 27 February 2025: International pressure appears to have forced Israel to comply with its obligations under the ceasefire agreement. After initially refusing to release Palestinian prisoners last Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yielded early Thursday, authorizing the release of 620 detainees as part of the seventh batch of the ongoing prisoner exchange.

According to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Media Office, the latest release includes 151 prisoners serving life sentences or lengthy terms. Among them, 43 will be returned to the West Bank and Jerusalem, 97 will be deported abroad, and 11 were detained from Gaza before October 7, 2023.

Israel faced significant diplomatic pressure in recent days, including the postponement of a scheduled visit by US Middle East envoy Steve Wietkoff to Tel Aviv, originally planned for Wednesday.

Footage circulating online shows released Palestinian detainees removing and trampling on Israeli prison uniforms, which bore Israeli symbols and slogans, in an act of defiance.

The ongoing hostage situation remains a major challenge for Netanyahu’s government. Relatives of hostages held in Gaza continue to pressure Israeli authorities to secure the release of the remaining 59 captives. The Hostage Families Forum issued a statement urging the government to ensure the return of all captives within 50 days.

Hamas’ military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, delivered the remains of four Israeli hostages to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, which were later transferred to Israeli authorities through the Kerem Shalom crossing. The bodies were taken to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute in Tel Aviv for identification.

Families of deceased hostages accused Netanyahu’s government of failing to secure their loved ones’ release. Itzik Elgratt, whose brother was among those killed in Gaza, criticized the Israeli leadership for missing opportunities to negotiate. Similarly, the sister of Shiri Bibas, another slain hostage, stated that the government prioritized retaliation over saving lives.

The United Nations has raised alarms over the escalating Israeli military operations in the occupied West Bank. According to UN agencies, ongoing Israeli raids have turned Palestinian communities into “battlefields,” leaving 40,000 people homeless.

The region has witnessed escalating violence, including gunfights between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants. Israeli bulldozers have been deployed in refugee camps for the first time in 20 years, destroying essential infrastructure, including electricity and water networks.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), described the dire situation, stating that fear and uncertainty dominate daily life. He noted that several affected camps are in ruins due to the destruction of roads and public facilities.

UNRWA reported that over 50 Palestinians, including children, have been killed since Israeli military raids began five weeks ago. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) condemned the Israeli military’s “war-like tactics” in civilian areas, warning of an increasing humanitarian crisis.

Despite significant challenges, UN agencies and humanitarian organizations are working to support those affected by the violence. The World Food Programme provided financial assistance to 190,000 people in January, underscoring the growing need for humanitarian aid in the region.