Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel is ready to resume fighting in the Gaza Strip at any time, after he delayed the release of Palestinian detainees scheduled to be finished on Saturday.

Israel threatened Tuesday to resume "intense fighting" in Gaza if hostages were not released this weekend, while Hamas insisted it remained committed to the ceasefire deal and accused Israel of violations.

A senior Hamas official said the group will not disarm and may even grow after the war in Gaza, warning other countries against cooperating with Israel in the enclave.

The first phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is supposed to last six weeks. But three weeks in, both Israel and Hamas are accusing the other of violating the deal, and Hamas’ threat to delay freeing more hostages has prompted Israel to prepare to resume fighting if needed.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel was prepared to resume fighting against Hamas after the Palestinian group accused it of endangering a five-week-old Gaza truce by suspendin

Israel has postponed the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners, citing concerns over the "humiliating" nature of hostage handover ceremonies conducted by Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the prisoner release would remain on hold until Hamas guarantees the cessation of such ceremonies and ensures the safe return of additional hostages.