The Israeli military has said it would “significantly reinforce” areas around the Gaza Strip after Hamas announced its intention to postpone the release of Israeli hostages, part of a truce agreement for the territory, AFP reports.

“In accordance with the situational assessment, it was decided to raise the level of readiness and postpone leave for combat soldiers and operational units in the Southern Command … Additionally, it was decided to significantly reinforce the area with additional forces, for defensive missions,” the army said in a statement referring to its command responsible for Gaza.