Israel says the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners is being delayed “until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies” at handovers of Israeli captives in Gaza.
The statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office came early Sunday as military vehicles that normally move in advance of the buses carrying prisoners left the open gates of Ofer prison, only to turn around and go back in, according to a report of the Associated Press.
The release was supposed to be the largest one-day prisoner release in the Gaza ceasefire’s first phase. Six Israeli hostages were the last living hostages expected to be freed under the ceasefire’s first phase, with a week remaining in the initial stage. Talks on the ceasefire’s second phase are yet to start.
Considering that Hamas does not have many living hostages to release after that, the militant group might not have enough cards to play with Tel Aviv in future ceasefire talks. And Israel’s announcement also abruptly put the future of the truce into further doubt.
As Israel has been keeping high pressure on different fronts against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the forces controlling Syria and the Houthis in Yemen during the past weeks, should its ceasefire talks with Hamas turn out to be a failure, the Middle East crisis might be instantly rekindled.
There is no doubt the Netanyahu government has never stopped wooing the new US administration’s support. After the US president said the United States will “take over” and “own” the Gaza Strip after resettling Palestinians living there to neighboring countries, such as Jordan and Egypt, it seems Netanyahu has moved one big step closer to his objective of continuing to bind Israel’s and the US’ interests in the Middle East together.
Lasting peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved through the two-state solution. Gaza is part of Palestinian territory, and any future arrangement concerning it must respect the will of the Palestinian people while adhering to the principle of “Palestinians governing Palestine” in post-conflict governance.
Violence for violence will only lead to a new vicious cycle and the humanitarian disaster in Gaza must be brought to an end as soon as possible.
China and other peace-loving countries should remain committed to upholding justice and continue to play constructive roles in seeking a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue.
