Hamas Halts Hostage Releases as Israel Heightens Military Readiness

The fragile Gaza ceasefire faces collapse following mutual accusations of violations by Hamas and Israel.

Hamas has indefinitely postponed the release of three Israeli hostages, citing alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.
Israel denies the accusations, claiming it has adhered to the ceasefire terms, and accuses Hamas of its own breaches.
Since the January 19 ceasefire, Hamas has released 16 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals, while Israel has freed 583 Palestinian prisoners out of an agreed 1,904.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has placed the military on high alert, preparing for potential escalation in Gaza.
Negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire, which includes the release of all living hostages and a full Israeli troop withdrawal, remain stalled.