Hamas halts ceasefire talks until 620 Palestinians freed by Israel
What's the story
Hamas has announced a suspension of ceasefire talks with Israel until the promised release of Palestinian prisoners is completed.
The announcement came after Israel delayed the release of hundreds of prisoners, saying that Hamas had failed to meet conditions of a hostage release deal.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office clarified that the release of 620 Palestinian detainees depends on Hamas's guarantee of more hostage releases without "humiliating ceremonies."
US support
White House backs Israel's decision, condemns Hamas
The statement by Netanyahu's office was a reference to recent handovers of Israeli hostages' bodies by Hamas, which United Nations authorities claimed violated international law because they were disrespectful.
The White House has supported Israel's decision to postpone the release of Palestinian prisoners, denouncing Hamas for its "barbaric treatment" of Israeli hostages.
National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes called the delay an "appropriate response," reiterating President Donald Trump's support for Israel's actions against Hamas.
Negotiation conditions
Hamas insists on prisoner release for further talks
Hughes said Trump is ready to support Israel in "whatever course of action it chooses regarding Hamas."
Hamas official Basem Naim said any future talks with Israel are conditional on the agreed release of Palestinian prisoners.
"Any talks with the enemy through mediators regarding any upcoming steps are conditional on the release of the 620 Palestinian prisoners agreed upon in exchange for the four bodies and the six Israeli captives who were freed on Saturday," Naim told Reuters.
Ongoing ceasefire
Ceasefire holds amid accusations, talks planned for 2nd stage
"The mediators must ensure that the enemy adheres to the terms of the agreement as stated in the agreed-upon text," Naim added.
Israel and Hamas have regularly accused each other of violating the ceasefire, which began on January 19, but has so far continued to hold.
Both sides have stated that they intend to begin second-stage discussions, which, according to mediators, will try to agree on the return of all remaining captives and the complete departure of Israeli troops.