Gaza: The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, announced the postponement of a planned release of Israeli hostages, initially scheduled for Saturday, due to alleged Israeli violations of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

According to Anadolu Agency, spokesperson Abu Obaida stated that the decision was made after observing Israel's failure to adhere to the terms of the agreement. This includes delaying the return of displaced individuals to northern Gaza, shelling and gunfire targeting various areas, and blocking humanitarian aid entry. Obaida emphasized that Hamas remains committed to the agreement as long as Israel complies with its terms.

Following this announcement, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the army to maintain a high level of alert in anticipation of potential developments in Gaza. Katz described Hamas's decision as a violation of the truce and instructed the military to prepare for any scenario.

Meanwhile, families of Israeli prisoners in Gaza urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government not to hinder the prisoner exchange deal. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum called for assistance from mediating countries, namely Egypt, Qatar, and the US, to help implement the deal effectively and ensure the return of 76 Israeli captives.

The ceasefire, initiated on January 19, aims to halt the conflict that has resulted in over 48,000 deaths and extensive destruction in Gaza. The agreement's first phase, running until early March, includes the planned release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, with the latest swap scheduled for this week.

The International Criminal Court previously issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.