Israel has increased its military readiness near the Gaza border, the military announced on Sunday, following accusations from Hamas that Israel is attempting to evade its obligations under a ceasefire agreement.
The decision was made “following a situational assessment,” an Israeli military spokesperson said, adding that forces were enhancing “military readiness and operational preparedness” in the Gaza border area.
There were no changes to home front guidelines.
Earlier on Sunday, Israel announced a delay in the release of 620 Palestinian detainees who were set to be freed under the truce agreement.
Their release was part of the final phase of a hostage-prisoner exchange agreement after Hamas freed six Israeli hostages on Saturday.
Hamas Political Bureau member Izzat al-Rishq accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “deliberately obstructing the agreement” and violating its terms, saying the move underscored Israel’s “unreliability in fulfilling its commitments.”
The fragile three-phase ceasefire agreement took effect on January 19, pausing 15 months of fighting between Hamas and Israel that has devastated Gaza.