Israel On Alert As Hamas Suspends Release Of Hostages
Hamas says it’s delaying the release of Israeli hostages until further notice
The next release of Israeli hostages was due to take place on Saturday.
It would have seen another three Israelis, taken hostage in the 7 October 2023 attacks, freed by Hamas.
In return, Israel would have released several Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons, as part of the ceasefire agreement which began last month.
Such exchanges have taken place regularly since then.
Israel, while responding to Hamas’s decision to suspend hostage releases, in a statement from Defence Minister Israel Katz says: “Hamas’ announcement to stop releasing Israeli hostages is a complete violation of the ceasefire agreement and the deal to release the hostages.
“I have instructed the IDF to prepare at the highest level of alert for any possible scenario in Gaza and to protect the communities.
“We will not allow a return to the reality of October 7.”
The next release of Israeli hostages was due to take place on Saturday.
It would have seen another three Israelis, taken hostage in the 7 October 2023 attacks, freed by Hamas.
In return, Israel would have released several Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons, as part of the ceasefire agreement which began last month.
Such exchanges have taken place regularly since then.
