Middle East crisis at a critical conjuncture

Israel says the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners is being delayed "until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies" at handovers of Israeli captives in Gaza.

The statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office came early Sunday as military vehicles that normally move in advance of the buses carrying prisoners left the open gates of Ofer prison, only to turn around and go back in, according to a report of the Associated Press.

The release was supposed to be the largest one-day prisoner release in the Gaza ceasefire's first phase. Six Israeli hostages were the last living hostages expected to be freed under the ceasefire's first phase, with a week remaining in the initial stage. Talks on the ceasefire's second phase are yet to start.