The Palestinian Islamist movement „Hamas“ announced that it is postponing the next release of Israeli hostages, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement, reported Agence France-Presse and Associated Press, quoted by BTA.
The spokesman for the military wing of „Hamas“ – „Izzedine al-Qassem Brigades“, Abu Obeida, said that Israel has systematically violated the ceasefire over the past three weeks, which has necessitated the postponement of the upcoming exchange planned for Saturday.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reacted sharply to the decision, saying that this constitutes a „complete violation“ of the agreement. He ordered the Israeli army to prepare for all possible scenarios in response to the actions of “Hamas“.
The ceasefire agreement, which came into effect six weeks ago, provides for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. So far, five exchanges have taken place, in which 21 Israeli hostages have been released for more than 730 Palestinian prisoners.
According to the agreement this Saturday, “Hamas“ was supposed to release three Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The postponement of the exchange has increased tensions in the region and the future of the truce remains uncertain.