Why has Israel suspended the release of Palestinian prisoners?

Despite Hamas’s Saturday release of six Israeli prisoners, Israel has delayed the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners.

The group says Israel’s far-right government is “playing dirty games and sabotaging” the agreement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the captive handover ceremonies in Gaza, “humiliating” and is accusing Hamas of using the captives for “propaganda”.

However, first phase aid organizations are questioning Israel’s unfulfilled promises.

It has yet to allow delivery of 60, 000 mobile homes and 200, 000 tents, desperately needed by millions of displaced Palestinians.

Israeli negotiators have not gotten involved in the second phase of the deal discussions.

So, what’s behind Netanyahu’s dramatic turnaround?

And how will it affect the hard-fought ceasefire agreement?

Presenter: Cyril Vanier

Guests:

Alon Liel – Former director, Israel’s Foreign Ministry

Xavier Abu Eid – Political analyst, a former PLO adviser and author of the book Rooted in Palestine

Author of Lords of the Land and contributor to Haaretz, Akiva Eldar