Israel delays release of Palestinian prisoners

Israel is delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said, after Gaza militants freed six hostages in the latest swap.

"In light of Hamas's repeated violations, including the ceremonies that humiliate our hostages and the cynical exploitation of our hostages for propaganda purposes, it has been decided to delay the release of terrorists," Netanyahu's office announced early on Sunday.

The release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners is now on hold "until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies," the statement added.

Palestinian extremist group Hamas on Saturday handed over six more hostages to Red Cross representatives in the Gaza Strip.

In return for the men's release, Israel was set to free 602 Palestinian prisoners, including 50 serving life sentences, according to Palestinian information.

According to eyewitnesses, preparations for the release of the prisoners were cancelled on Saturday evening.