The Palestinian Prisoners Club has condemned Israel's decision to delay the release of the seventh batch of Palestinian prisoners, calling it "organized terrorism" aimed at undermining the joy of freedom for detainees and their families. The club criticized Israel's systematic use of humiliation, abuse, and threats against prisoners and their loved ones, accusing it of intensifying these tactics to erode the revered status of Palestinian prisoners.  

Israel justified the delay by citing "repeated violations by Hamas," including ceremonies deemed offensive to Israeli prisoners. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that releases would be postponed until the next phase of prisoner exchanges is guaranteed, without "humiliating ceremonies."  

During the handover of the final batch of the first phase, Hamas' Qassam Brigades released a video showing three Israeli prisoners—Elia Maimon, Yitzhak Cohen, and Omar Shem Tov—being freed in central Gaza. Two additional Israeli prisoners, Avitar David and Guy Gilboa, unexpectedly appeared at the site, visibly shocked. The video included symbolic messages, such as a reference to an olive tree older than the State of Israel, highlighting Palestinian resilience.  

Israeli forces reportedly assaulted Palestinian prisoners set for release, despite Hamas handing over six Israeli prisoners. Nahed Al-Fakhouri of Hamas confirmed the delays and abuses, accusing Israel of manipulating the prisoner list. Hamas reiterated its commitment to releasing all Israeli prisoners in exchange for Palestinian detainees, as tensions and complexities continue to define the fragile negotiation process.