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

February 23, 2025

 Killed    Wounded    Missing

48,297    111,733    14,000

 

 Despite the chilling cold, families of Palestinian prisoners waited for their loved ones who were set to be released. (Photo: via social media)

•     Hamas condemned Israel’s decision to delay the release of Palestinian prisoners, calling on mediators and the international community to intervene.
•     Israeli forces expanded operations in the northern occupied West Bank, deploying reinforcements to Jenin.
•     In Beirut, thousands are gathering at Sports City ahead of the funeral for Hezbollah leaders Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddin.

Sun, Feb 23, 6:16 PM (Palestine Time)
Axios: Netanyahu Defied Recommendations of Security Chiefs
AXIOS (citing Israeli officials): Netanyahu postponed the release of 600 Palestinians on Saturday despite recommendations from security chiefs. The officials added that security leaders advised Netanyahu to make every effort to complete Phase Two negotiations or extend Phase One.

Sun, Feb 23, 6:16 PM (Palestine Time)
US Official: There May Be a Continuous Extension of the Gaza Agreement
FOX NEWS (citing US National Security Advisor):

•     We are working with our Egyptian and Qatari partners to release the remaining captives.
•     I will not turn a blind eye to Hamas’s behavior regarding captive releases.
•     Hamas’s propaganda during captive releases certainly affects negotiation prospects.
•     There may be a continuous extension of the Gaza agreement, and we will see how things progress next week.

Sun, Feb 23, 5:37 PM (Palestine Time)
Netanyahu: Ready to Return to Highest Levels of Combat at Any Moment
ISRAELI PM’S OFFICE:
Netanyahu stated:

•     We are fighting to secure our future against beasts risen to annihilate us.
•     We are waging a fierce war on seven fronts against those seeking our destruction.
•     We remain committed to the war’s goals: returning the hostages, destroying Hamas’s capabilities, and removing threats to our citizens.
•     We are ready at any moment to return to the highest levels of combat against our enemies.
•     I thank President Trump for the decision to supply us with new, advanced weapons that will significantly impact the fighting.

Sun, Feb 23, 5:37 PM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Media: Hamas Wants to Continue the Deal
ISRAEL HAYOM (citing informed sources):

•     The decision to halt the release of 600 Palestinian prisoners is an attempt to reshape the rules of the game with Hamas.
•     If Hamas agrees to continue releasing hostages, Phase One will continue.
•     The political leadership believes Hamas wants to continue the deal and may be willing to make concessions.
•     The political leadership has a history of misjudging Hamas’s positions.

Sun, Feb 23, 5:37 PM (Palestine Time)
Witkoff: I Will Negotiate to Extend Phase One of Gaza Agreement
CNN (citing US Middle East Envoy Stephen Witkoff):

•     We expect to move toward Phase Two of the agreement, and Phase One must be extended.
•     Netanyahu has a clear red line: Hamas cannot be part of Gaza’s governance.
•     I will visit the Middle East this week, possibly on Wednesday.
•     My visit aims to negotiate the agreement between Hamas and Israel.
•     I will negotiate to extend Phase One of the Gaza agreement.
•     We hope to have time to complete Phase One of the ceasefire agreement.

Sun, Feb 23, 5:37 PM (Palestine Time)
Maariv: Israel Demands Guarantees Before Next Release Operation
MAARIV (citing officials): Israel is demanding guarantees that the next release operation will occur without displays or humiliating ceremonies by Hamas.

Sun, Feb 23, 4:09 PM (Palestine Time)
Young Man Killed by Occupation Fire East of Gaza City
AL-JAZEERA: A young Palestinian man was killed by Israeli occupation forces’ gunfire on Al-Shaaf Street, east of Gaza City.

Sun, Feb 23, 4:09 PM (Palestine Time)
Ben Gvir: Forcing Prisoners to Watch Others’ Release is Horrific Torture
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.
 
Sun, Feb 23, 4:09 PM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Tanks Advance toward Jenin
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.

Sun, Feb 23, 4:09 PM (Palestine Time)
Hezbollah Secretary-General Speaks on Supporting Gaza
NAIM QASSEM: Our support for Gaza is part of our belief in liberating Palestine.

Sun, Feb 23, 4:09 PM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Army Attacks Areas in Lebanon during Nasrallah’s Funeral
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.”

Sun, Feb 23, 4:09 PM (Palestine Time)
Two Injured by Occupation Fire in Rafah
PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Palestinian sources reported that two people were injured by Israeli occupation fire in Tal al-Sultan, Rafah, southern Gaza.

Sun, Feb 23, 4:09 PM (Palestine Time)
Prisoners’ Media Office Criticizes Occupation’s Inhumane Behavior
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.

Sun, Feb 23, 12:12 PM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Army: 200 Wanted Palestinians Detained in West Bank
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.

Sun, Feb 23, 12:12 PM (Palestine Time)
Tanks Transferred to Jenin Area
KAN: The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that tanks were transferred to the Jenin area in preparation for expanding the military operation.

Sun, Feb 23, 12:12 PM (Palestine Time)
Prisoner Handover Ceremonies Do Not Include Any Insults - Hamas
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.

Sun, Feb 23, 12:12 PM (Palestine Time)
Delay in Releasing Palestinian Prisoners Endangers Agreement
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.

Sun, Feb 23, 12:12 PM (Palestine Time)
Al-Quds Brigades - Jenin Battalion: Confirmed Enemy Casualties
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.

Sun, Feb 23, 12:12 PM (Palestine Time)
Thousands Gather to Mourn Hassan Nasrallah, Hashem Safieddine
LEBANESE MEDIA: Thousands of Hezbollah supporters gather at the Beirut Sports City Stadium to mourn Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine.

Sun, Feb 23, 12:12 PM (Palestine Time)
At Least 21 Living Prisoners Still in Gaza
CHANNEL 14: Israeli Channel 14 reported that Israeli estimates indicate at least 21 living prisoners remain in Gaza.

Sun, Feb 23, 12:12 PM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Forces Push Reinforcements Toward Jenin
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.

Sun, Feb 23, 12:12 PM (Palestine Time)
Rubio Threatens Hamas, Demands Release of All Captives
US MEDIA: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio threatened Hamas, stating it must release all 63 remaining prisoners “immediately or be destroyed.”
 
Sun, Feb 23, 12:12 PM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Forces Raid Qabatiya
PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Palestinian sources reported that Israeli occupation forces raided the town of Qabatiya south of Jenin in the West Bank.

Sun, Feb 23, 12:12 PM (Palestine Time)
US Envoy: Hamas Ignoring Trump and Rubio’s Warnings is a Grave Mistake
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.”

Sun, Feb 23, 12:12 PM (Palestine Time)
Axios: Israel’s Delay in Releasing Prisoners Followed Two Security Meetings
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.