Problem of delaying release of Palestinian prisoners resolved

GAZA - An agreement was reached to resolve the problem of delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners who were supposed to be released in the last batch, Hamas said on Tuesday.

The prisoners would be released simultaneously with the bodies of the Israeli hostages that were agreed to be handed over during the first stage of the Gaza ceasefire deal, Hamas said in a statement.

A Hamas leadership delegation concluded its visit to Cairo, where it met with Egyptian officials, the statement said, noting that discussions were held on the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, the exchange of prisoners, and the prospects for the second phase of negotiations.

"The delegation of the movement's leadership stressed its clear position on the necessity of full and precise commitment to all its provisions and stages," the statement added.

Israel announced early Sunday that it had postponed the release of Palestinian detainees, who were set to be freed Saturday under the ceasefire agreement until more hostages are released.

Israel was expected to release more than 600 Palestinian detainees on Saturday after Hamas freed six hostages earlier in the day.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement that it had been decided to delay the release of Palestinian detainees scheduled for Saturday "until the release of the next hostages is secured, without the disgraceful ceremonies."