"Ceasefire deal will end if Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday": Netanyahu

Over in the Middle East.

Israel and Hamas continue to trade tough rhetoric about the fate of the truce in the Gaza Strip amid uncertainty over the release of additional Israeli hostages.

Choi Soo-hyung has the latest.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Tuesday, local time, that the ceasefire deal could come to an end.

"The decision I passed unanimously in the Cabinet is this: if Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated."

This comes after a Hamas announcement on Monday that it would indefinitely postpone the release of three hostages scheduled for Saturday.

Hamas said Israel violated the ceasefire agreement by firing on civilians and blocking the delivery of aid supplies.

Recently, Israeli forces opened fire in northern Gaza City and southern Khan Yunis, killing four civilians.

Following Netanyahu's statement, the Israeli military announced it would deploy additional reserve forces near the Gaza Strip.

Amid the growing tensions, experts said it was necessary to wait calmly to see if better negotiations could take place.

"So you know, I think as far as what will actually happen, it's probably best not to get ahead of ourselves. It's not inevitable, but certainly if the hostages aren't returned by noon, I think it's very likely that a resumption and an escalation of fighting will ensue."

Meanwhile, the Iranian-backed Yemeni Houthis warned that they would also attack Israel if it resumes the war.

The Houthis, who support Hamas, have been threatening foreign ships passing through the Red Sea since the Gaza conflict began.

After a six-week Gaza ceasefire deal was agreed to, the Houthis also stopped their attacks.

Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.