Hamas announced that it will not engage in talks with the Israeli occupation through intermediaries regarding any further steps in the ceasefire agreement unless Palestinian prisoners are released as agreed.

Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation insists on delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners until the release of Israeli hostages is ensured “without humiliating ceremonies,” according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A statement from the White House on Sunday confirmed U.S. support for Israel’s decision to delay the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners.