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Israel Delays Palestinian Prisoner Release, Putting Ceasefire at Risk
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, raising doubts over the future of the fragile ceasefire with Hamas. The decision, announced early Sunday, came after six Israeli hostages were freed by Hamas on Saturday as part of the truce’s first phase.
According to Netanyahu’s office, the prisoner release is postponed until Israel is assured of the next hostage release and the cessation of what Israel describes as “humiliating ceremonies” during hostage handovers in Gaza. Military vehicles that typically escort prisoner transport buses initially left Ofer prison but later returned, signaling the abrupt halt.
More than 600 Palestinian prisoners were set to be released after Saturday’s hostage handover, marking the largest one-day exchange since the ceasefire began. However, images of masked Hamas militants escorting five of the six freed hostages before large crowds drew criticism from international organizations such as the United Nations and the Red Cross, who condemned the scenes as cruel and exploitative.
Israel’s statement cited these displays as one reason for delaying the release, saying that using hostages for propaganda undermines their dignity. The six hostages freed on Saturday are believed to be the last living captives expected to be released under the ceasefire’s initial phase, which was brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. Talks on the next phase have yet to begin.
Uncertainty Over Ceasefire’s Next Phase
The ceasefire has paused weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and Hamas, but concerns are growing that hostilities could resume if negotiations stall. Hamas has pledged to release four bodies next week to fulfill its commitments under the ceasefire’s first phase. The group still holds more than 60 hostages, with roughly half believed to be alive.
The second phase of the truce aims to secure the release of all remaining hostages in exchange for hundreds of additional Palestinian prisoners. This phase is also expected to include a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and the potential for a permanent end to hostilities. Hamas has signaled its willingness to proceed but insists it needs assurances that Israel will uphold its end of the agreement.
Netanyahu, with support from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, remains committed to dismantling Hamas’ military and governing capabilities while ensuring the safe return of all hostages. An Israeli official told the Associated Press that Netanyahu is set to meet with security advisers to assess the ceasefire’s future.
Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has resulted in more than 48,000 Palestinian deaths, primarily women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The offensive has also displaced approximately 90% of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents and devastated much of the enclave’s infrastructure. The United Nations estimates that rebuilding Gaza will take decades.
The conflict was triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people. Since then, both sides have faced mounting international pressure to reach a sustainable ceasefire and prevent further humanitarian crises.
News
Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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