This is an entry from: Live: Trump threatens Gaza residents with death as his team holds direct talks with Hamas about captives
White House backs Israel's decision to delay releasing Palestinian prisoners
23 February 2025 22:48 GMT
The White House said on Sunday that it supports Israel's decision to delay releasing 600 Palestinian prisoners who were set to be freed after Hamas released six Israeli captives in exchange on Saturday.
President Donald Trump is prepared to support Israel in "whatever course of action it chooses regarding Hamas," a statement from National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday said the prisoner release would be delayed until Hamas ends its ceremonies while freeing Israeli captives.
Hamas has called the delay a "blatant violation" of the truce and said Netanyahu is engaging in "procrastination and stalling tactics" to undermine the agreement.