Hamas says Netanyahu ‘sabotaging’ peace deal as Israel steps up West Bank operation – Middle East crisis live

Hamas official Basem Naim says Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing atmosphere' to return to war with Gaza

According to a report from Hebrew media outlet Ynet, Israel has told international mediators that it will release more than 600 Palestinian prisoners who were initially scheduled for release on Saturday if Hamas returns four bodies today without any ceremony. The Guardian has not confirmed this report.

Israel suspended the handover of 620 Palestinians it was due to free from its prisons on Saturday, putting the ceasefire agreement in jeopardy after Benjamin Netanyahu criticised what he called disgraceful ceremonies that dishonour our hostages and the cynical use of hostages for propaganda".

We have fulfilled all our obligations according to the deal.

Unfortunately, all the time Netanyahu and his government have been trying to undermine and sabotage the deal.

They have committed a lot of violations - killed more than 100 Palestinians, prevented most of the basic needs of the Palestinians to enter the Gaza Strip, and lastly refused to release more than 600 Palestinian prisoners.

We have conveyed a clear and strong message to the mediators: We cannot continue talking or discussing any further steps if these 620 Palestinians are not released.