LIVE BLOG: Hamas Condemns Delay in Prisoner Release | Thousands to Attend Nasrallah’s Funeral – Day 506

AL-JAZEERA: A young Palestinian man was killed by Israeli occupation forces’ gunfire on Al-Shaaf Street, east of Gaza City.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stated that Hamas forcing prisoners to watch others being released is horrific psychological torture targeting Israeli citizens’ consciousness.

ELI COHEN: Israel must demand the release of the two detainees featured in yesterday’s Al-Qassam video in exchange for releasing the batch of Palestinian prisoners.

🇵🇸/🇮🇱 WATCH: Al-Qassam Brigades publish footage showing the handover of Israeli prisoners Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen, and Omer Wenkert. pic.twitter.com/cvEbFz2L58

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) February 22, 2025

AL-JAZEERA: Sources told Al-Jazeera that Israeli tanks began advancing toward Jenin in the northern occupied West Bank. Clashes broke out between Palestinians and Israeli occupation forces near the entrance to Silat al-Harithiya, west of Jenin.

NAIM QASSEM: Our support for Gaza is part of our belief in liberating Palestine.

ISRAELI ARMY RADIO: The army is attacking areas in Lebanon as tens of thousands participate in the funeral of former Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut.

AL-JAZEERA: Israeli aircraft flew at low altitude over the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

KATZ: “Our aircraft flying over Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral convey a message that those who threaten to destroy us are writing their own end.”

A video shows a squadron of Israeli jets flying over the crowds at the funeral procession of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine in Beirut. pic.twitter.com/hA3Fnq66SO

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) February 23, 2025

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Palestinian sources reported that two people were injured by Israeli occupation fire in Tal al-Sultan, Rafah, southern Gaza.

PRISONERS’ MEDIA OFFICE:

Delaying the release of the seventh batch of prisoners is a blatant violation of all human values and norms.

The delay exposes the occupation’s disregard for commitments and agreements.

The occupation’s inhumane behavior requires mediators and the international community to pressure it to fulfill its obligations.

ISRAELI ARMY: The Israeli army stated that its forces arrested 200 wanted Palestinians and killed around 71 militants in the military operation in the northern West Bank.

KAN: The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that tanks were transferred to the Jenin area in preparation for expanding the military operation.

HAMAS:

We strongly condemn the occupation’s decision to delay the release of Palestinian prisoners.

The occupation’s claim that the handover ceremonies are insulting is baseless and aims to evade its obligations under the agreement.

The handover ceremonies reflect humane and dignified treatment of the prisoners.

The real insult is the torture, beating, and humiliation our prisoners endure until the last moments of their release.

Netanyahu’s decision to delay the handover is a deliberate attempt to disrupt the agreement and a clear violation of its terms.

We call on mediators and the international community to pressure the occupation to implement the agreement and release prisoners without delay.

🇵🇸/🇮🇱 WATCH: Al-Qassam Brigades publish footage showing the handover of Israeli prisoners Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen, and Omer Wenkert. pic.twitter.com/cvEbFz2L58

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) February 22, 2025

YEDIOTH AHRONOTH:

Israel’s delay in releasing Palestinian prisoners risks jeopardizing the agreement.

This is not the first time Netanyahu has hardened his stance after discussions.

The delay could lead to an explosion and a return to fighting.

AL-QUDS BRIGADES: The Al-Quds Brigades – Jenin Battalion stated that its fighters detonated an explosive device targeting an Israeli military vehicle on the Martyrs’ Axis. They added that their fighters confronted enemy forces on various fronts and confirmed enemy casualties.

LEBANESE MEDIA: Thousands of Hezbollah supporters gather at the Beirut Sports City Stadium to mourn Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine.

View of the large gathering of crowds at Beirut’s Sports City Stadium attending the funeral of late Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine. pic.twitter.com/swZos1Hija

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) February 23, 2025

CHANNEL 14: Israeli Channel 14 reported that Israeli estimates indicate at least 21 living prisoners remain in Gaza.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Palestinian sources reported that the occupation pushed military reinforcements toward Jenin in the West Bank amid its ongoing aggression against the city and its camp for the 34th day.

Israel halts the release of Palestinian prisoners under the exchange deal, sparking anger and heartbreak among families.

“I’ve been waiting for him to be released for 20 years.” pic.twitter.com/GaofWfPmj0

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) February 23, 2025

US MEDIA: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio threatened Hamas, stating it must release all 63 remaining prisoners “immediately or be destroyed.”

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Palestinian sources reported that Israeli occupation forces raided the town of Qabatiya south of Jenin in the West Bank.

US MEDIA: US Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler stated that Hamas ignoring warnings from President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio is a “grave mistake.”

AXIOS: Axios reported, citing an Israeli official, that the delay in releasing prisoners was decided after two security meetings held by Netanyahu on Saturday evening. Security leaders recommended against delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners, and the initial direction at the end of the first meeting was to release the prisoners.