Hamas threatens to postpone next hostage release citing broken terms of ceasefire deal by Israel

In the Middle East.

The fate of the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas has been rendered uncertain with the latter speaking of plans to postpone the release of Israeli hostages who were expected to return home this coming Saturday.

Lee Seung-jae has details.

Palestinian militant group Hamas had planned to release Israeli hostages this coming Saturday, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

However, that swap may now be in doubt, as the militant group announced on Monday that it would delay those plans,.. accusing Israel of breaching the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

According to Hamas Armed Wing Spokesperson Abu Obeida, the release of the Israeli hostages will be postponed until further notice, pending Israel's "compliance and retroactive compensation for the past weeks."

He added that Hamas will reaffirm its commitment to the ceasefire agreement, as long as Israel adheres to it.

The spokesperson further explained that for the past three weeks, the Israelis did not abide by the terms of the agreement, having delayed the return of residents of northern Gaza, targeting Palestinians with shelling and gunfire, and stopping aid from entering the enclave.

Israel has refuted the claims made by Hamas, and instead blamed the militant group for violating the ceasefire agreement.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also announced on Monday that he had instructed his military to "prepare at the highest level of alert for any possible scenario in Gaza."

In response,.. the Israel Defense Forces said it was "raising its level of readiness in southern Israel and postponing leave for combat soldiers," raising concerns over further escalation of tension in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also moved up a political-security cabinet meeting, originally scheduled for Tuesday evening, after the Hamas announcement.

An Israeli official said the Israeli leader is consulting with his security leadership team to discuss response measures.

Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.