DUBAI, February 27. /TASS/. Many of the Palestinian prisoners released earlier by Israel as part of a deal with the radical movement Hamas to free Israeli hostages are in poor mental and physical condition, Al Jazeera reported on Thursday.
According to Al Jazeera, the released prisoners, who were taken to the European Hospital in Gaza for medical examination and rehabilitation are "mentally and physically exhausted."
"Hundreds of Palestinians released by Israel show signs of emaciation and abuse suffered while in detention," the agency reported.
Earlier in the day, Hamas confirmed on its Telegram channel the release of 600 Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
Hamas also reiterated its commitment to the agreement and announced its intention to honor all of its terms and conditions. "We reiterate our readiness to engage in negotiations on the second phase of the agreement, and point out once again that the only way to free all hostages held in the Gaza Strip is to hold talks and comply with everything that was agreed," Hamas said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced in the early hours of February 23 that the Jewish state had decided to postpone the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners, set for February 22, until Hamas abandoned the ceremonies that accompanied the release of Israeli hostages and the handover of bodies in the Gaza Strip. However, the radicals said on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning that Israel would free a group of Palestinians, who had been expected to be released on February 22, in exchange for the bodies of four hostages.
On January 15, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement to release the hostages held in Gaza and declare a ceasefire in the enclave. The three-phase deal took effect on January 19. During the initial 42-day phase, Hamas is expected to release 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.