Hamas has announced that it will delay the release of more hostages in the Gaza Strip, citing Israel’s alleged violations of the fragile ceasefire that began three weeks ago. This move comes after three Israelis were freed on Saturday, returning home emaciated after 16 months in captivity.

According to Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida, Israel has obstructed key provisions of the ceasefire by not allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, carrying out strikes across the territory, and failing to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid. “The next hostage release would be delayed until further notice,” Obeida said on social media.

The Israeli government has expressed its commitment to upholding the ceasefire agreement, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu consulting security officials and pushing forward a scheduled meeting of his Security Cabinet. Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned Hamas’ decision, calling it “a complete violation” of the ceasefire agreement, and instructed the Israeli military to be on high alert.

The development has sparked concerns about the fate of the remaining hostages, with the Hostages and Missing Family Forum urging mediating countries to restore the existing deal. “Recent evidence from those released, as well as the shocking conditions of the hostages released last Saturday, leaves no room for doubt — time is of the essence, and all hostages must be urgently rescued from this horrific situation,” the Forum said.

Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has announced the end of a controversial system that paid stipends to the families of Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted in deadly attacks on Israel. The move aims to improve relations with the Trump administration, which has criticized the so-called “martyrs fund” for rewarding violence against Israel.