Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz called an announcement by the Palestinian militant group Hamas that it would postpone the release of hostages a “complete violation” of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, AFP reports.

“Hamas’ announcement to stop releasing Israeli hostages is a complete violation of the ceasefire agreement and the deal to release the hostages. I have instructed the IDF (military) to prepare at the highest level of alert for any possible scenario in Gaza,” Katz said in a statement.