The Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced Sunday that the release of Palestinian prisoners will be delayed until the next group of hostages is freed, citing alleged violations of the ceasefire-hostage agreement by Hamas. "It has been decided to delay the release of the terrorists planned for yesterday until the release of the next hostages is ensured, without the degrading ceremonies," the statement said. The decision has further strained ongoing negotiations and heightened tensions in the occupied territories. The release of Palestinian prisoners is expected to resume once the next round of hostages are freed. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Sunday that the Israeli army will maintain its presence in Palestinian refugee camps in the northern West Bank for the next year, blocking displaced Palestinian residents from returning. The Israeli army deployed tanks in the northern West Bank early Sunday, marking the first time since 2002 that armored forces have entered the occupied territory as part of a military escalation. "The Israeli army is expanding its operations in the northern West Bank, and starting tonight, it will also operate in the town of Qabatiya," Katz said in a statement. According to Katz, approximately 40,000 Palestinians have been forcibly evacuated from Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams refugee camps, while the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has been ordered to halt its activities in these areas. "I instructed the IDF (army) to prepare for a long stay in the camps that were cleared, for the coming year, and not allow residents to return," Katz added. The Israeli army has been conducting intensified military operations in the northern West Bank since last month, with at least 60 Palestinians killed and thousands displaced. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, since October 7, 2023, when Israel launched its military offensive against Gaza, at least 923 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 7,000 injured in attacks by Israeli forces and illegal settlers in the West Bank. — Agencies
