Hamas suspends release of Israeli hostages over ‘violations’ of ceasefire

Israel can’t allow Hamas to use ceasefire to rebuild itself and recover strength: Rubio

The fragile Gaza ceasefire deal hangs in the balance, with Benjamin Netanyahu threatening it will end if Hamas fails to return more Israeli hostages.

It was not clear whether Netanyahu is also demanding that all 76 captives still theoretically held in Gaza be released, or just the three hostages scheduled for release on Saturday under the ceasefire.

As Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violating the cease-fire deal, Israel’s prime minister has vowed a return to “intense fighting” if hostages are not freed by Saturday.