A member of the Political Bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), Izzat al-Rashaq, on Sunday, condemned the Israeli occupation’s decision to delay the release of Palestinian prisoners, asserting that this decision once again exposes the occupation’s evasions and its shirking of its obligations.

In a press statement, al-Rashaq stated that the occupation’s claim that "the handover ceremonies are demeaning" is a baseless allegation and a weak excuse aimed at avoiding the implementation of the agreement. He stressed that these ceremonies do not entail any insult to the prisoners but rather reflect a dignified, humane treatment towards them.

He added that the real insult lies in what the Palestinian prisoners endure during the release process deliberate torture, beatings, and humiliation right until the final moments, as they are released while their hands are tied and their eyes are blindfolded, while their families are threatened with not being allowed to celebrate their return.

The political bureau member further argued that the decision by the occupation’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, represents a deliberate attempt to derail the agreement and a clear violation of its provisions, thereby revealing the occupation’s unreliability in fulfilling its commitments.

Al-Rashaq, speaking on behalf of his movement, called on mediators and the international community to assume their responsibilities and pressure the occupation to ensure the implementation of the agreement and the release of the prisoners without any delay.