section_path: Violations and deviations by Israel/Delay of release of Palestinians
section_name: Delay of release of Palestinians
paragraph_text: Delay of release of Palestinians
  
  On 22 February 2025, following Hamas' release of six Israelis earlier that day, Israel cancelled the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners stipulated in the deal. In a statement, Israel indicated that it had instituted an indefinite delay of the release; Israel would only release the Palestinian prisoners upon confirmation that future hostage releases will occur without release ceremonies, which Israel called 'degrading'. The White House backed Israel's decision to delay the release of the Palestinian prisoners.