The White House said Sunday that Israel’s decision to hold off on releasing 602 Palestinian prisoners was an “appropriate response” to Hamas’s abuse of Israeli captives and the parading of the caskets of young boys Ariel and Kfir Bibas, whose bodies were returned to Israel on Thursday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had deferred the release of prisoners set to be freed Saturday until Hamas commits to stop holding propaganda ceremonies when handing over hostages to the Red Cross. In response, the terror group said it would halt talks on the rest of the month-old ceasefire and hostage deal with Israel.

In a statement, US National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said that “given Hamas’s barbaric treatment of the hostages, including the hideous parade of the Bibas children’s coffins through the streets of Gaza, Israel’s decision to delay the release of prisoners is an appropriate response.”

“The president is prepared to support Israel in whatever course of action it chooses regarding Hamas,” said Hughes.

US President Donald Trump said Friday that he would back Israel........

© The Times of Israel