Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned the move as a "complete violation" of the deal and ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to be fully prepared for any developments in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding security consultations to assess the situation.

Hamas’ military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, stated that Israel had failed to uphold its commitments, including allowing displaced people to return to northern Gaza and ensuring adequate humanitarian aid.

Until Israel complies and retroactively corrects its actions, the handover of hostages will be delayed, the group said.

Israel’s Hostages, Missing Persons, and Returnees Directorate insisted on the full implementation of the agreement, warning against any breaches.

The developments follow indirect negotiations in Qatar over the next phase of the ceasefire, which began on January 19.

Under the agreement, 21 hostages have been released in exchange for Palestinian detainees, with further exchanges expected in the coming weeks.

Relatives of a released hostage hug each other when a helicopter carrying the hostage arrives at a medical center in Ramat Gan, Israel, on Feb. 8, 2025. Israel and Hamas on Saturday completed the fifth prisoner-for-hostage swap under the first phase of the ongoing Gaza ceasefire agreement, according to Israeli and Palestinian sources. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)