LIVE BLOG: Hamas Calls for Escalation of Resistance in West Bank as Israel Delays Prisoner Release – Day 506

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

By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

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.

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Mon, Feb 24, 5:10 AM (Palestine Time)

Settlers Burn Agricultural Room East of Yatta in Hebron

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Palestinian media outlets, citing local sources, reported that Israeli Jewish settlers burned an agricultural room in the Abu Shaban area east of Yatta in Hebron in the West Bank.

Mon, Feb 24, 2:09 AM (Palestine Time)

Ireland’s Foreign Minister: We Held a European Meeting on Aid to Gaza

STATEMENT: Ireland’s Foreign Minister:

I held an important meeting in Brussels with my European counterparts regarding humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The Commissioner-General of UNRWA participated in the Brussels meeting on humanitarian aid to Gaza.

I emphasized Ireland’s support for UNRWA’s work and the urgent need for a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Mon, Feb 24, 2:09 AM (Palestine Time)

Israeli Army Lifts Restrictions in the North and South of the Country

STATEMENT: The Israeli army announced the removal of all restrictions imposed on settlements in the northern and southern regions of the country, with life returning to normal.

Mon, Feb 24, 2:09 AM (Palestine Time)

American Official: Trump Supports Israel in Whatever It Chooses against Hamas

AXIOS (Citing the spokesperson for the US National Security Council):

Hamas is treating hostages brutally.

Israel’s decision to delay the release of Palestinian prisoners is an appropriate response.

President Donald Trump supports Israel in whatever path it chooses against Hamas.

Sun, Feb 23, 11:55 PM (Palestine Time)

53% Support Ending War While Hamas Remains in Power

CHANNEL I24 POLL:

53% support recovering all hostages and ending the war while Hamas remains in power.

60% of Israelis do not support resuming fighting, while 25% want it to resume immediately.

Sun, Feb 23, 11:16 PM (Palestine Time)

Israeli Army Source: Netanyahu Acting Without Coordination

KAN: The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported, citing an Israeli army source, that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “acting without coordination with us,” adding that this could jeopardize soldiers’ security.

Sun, Feb 23, 11:16 PM (Palestine Time)

Israeli Army: Preparing to Stay in Jenin, Tulkarm Until Year-End

CHANNEL 14 (citing a senior Israeli army source): Israeli forces are preparing to remain in Jenin and Tulkarm in the West Bank until the end of the year.

Sun, Feb 23, 11:16 PM (Palestine Time)

Israel Seeks to Replicate Netzarim Corridor Model in West Bank

CHANNEL 14:

The army and security agencies are working to create roads similar to the Netzarim Corridor, though narrower, in Jenin and Tulkarm.

The roads aim to prevent militants from planting explosives and provide a quick route for forces.

Sun, Feb 23, 11:16 PM (Palestine Time)

Pressuring Israel Diplomatically to Complete Withdrawal - Lebanese PM

LEBANESE PM:

We are using all diplomatic means to pressure Israel to complete its withdrawal from the south.

The security of Beirut Airport is the primary consideration in operating flights.

Sun, Feb 23, 8:48 PM (Palestine Time)

Security Leaders Recommend Netanyahu Release the 600 Prisoners

KAN:

Security leaders recommended Netanyahu release the prisoners, as the repercussions could be significant.

There is a US desire to expand Phase One to release more Israeli hostages.

Efforts are underway in Israel to resolve the exchange deal crisis before US Envoy Witkoff arrives on Wednesday.

Hamas bringing two hostages to witness the release of their comrades is the reason for freezing the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Sun, Feb 23, 8:48 PM (Palestine Time)

Netanyahu Wants to Extend Phase One and Abandon Phase Two

KAN (citing Israeli ministers): Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to extend Phase One of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement with Hamas and avoid transitioning to Phase Two.

Sun, Feb 23, 8:48 PM (Palestine Time)

Hamas Calls for Escalating Resistance in the West Bank

HAMAS:

The expansion of the occupation army’s operations in Jenin and northern West Bank areas, including the deployment of tanks for the first time in years, reveals the enemy’s intent to escalate the war of extermination.

The expansion of aggression requires all components of our people and resistance factions to form a unified front to confront these crimes.

Sun, Feb 23, 8:48 PM (Palestine Time)

Israeli Media: Weapons Seized in Jordan Valley

CHANNEL 12:

Weapons were seized in the Jordan Valley, east of the West Bank, intended for smuggling into Israel.

Security estimates suggest the weapons were meant for use by “criminal elements or terrorist organizations

Sun, Feb 23, 7:43 PM (Palestine Time)

IRGC Commander: Hamas’s Great Victory Shown in Prisoner Exchange

IRGC COMMANDER SALAMI:

Gaza resisted in an unprecedented way in history, and the Zionist entity suffered a clear defeat there.

The greatness of Hamas’ victory was demonstrated in the prisoner exchange process.

Sun, Feb 23, 7:43 PM (Palestine Time)

Israeli Party Leader Criticizes Netanyahu’s Stance on the Deal

ISRAELI MEDIA:

Israeli Democratic Party leader Yair Golan stated:

We will not allow Netanyahu to survive at the expense of the hostages’ lives.

If Netanyahu sabotages the deal, the gates of hell will open.

Sun, Feb 23, 7:43 PM (Palestine Time)

Israeli Tanks Raid Jenin

AL-JAZEERA: Israeli tanks raided Jenin after bulldozers destroyed the western entrance to the city.

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.

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