India, Feb. 23 -- Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday announced his government will delay the release of Palestinian prisoners until Hamas guarantees the next handover of hostages.

Israel is supposed to release more than 600 prisoners.

However, the delay is likely to hit the ongoing ceasefire deal which began on January 19.

In an X post, Netanyahu said: "In light of Hamas's repeated violations, including the ceremonies that humiliate our hostages and the cynical exploitation of our hostages for propaganda purposes."

The PM said: "It has been decided to delay the release of terrorists that was planned for yesterday until the release of the next hostages has been assured and without the humiliating ceremonies."

Hamas released six Is...