Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has ordered the military to maintain maximum alert in Gaza following Hamas’ decision to postpone the release of Israeli hostages, a move he described as a complete violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Katz announced on Monday that he had instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to be fully prepared for any scenario in Gaza, reinforcing security measures in Israeli towns.
The delay was confirmed by the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, which stated that the decision was made in response to what it called Israel’s “failure to comply” with the ceasefire terms.
So far, Israel has recovered 16 out of the 33 hostages scheduled for release, including five Thai nationals freed without prior arrangements. In exchange, Israel has released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of deadly attacks.
With tensions escalating, all eyes are now on the next steps both sides will take in the fragile ceasefire negotiations.
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