Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Hamas it will end the ceasefire in Gaza and resume intense fighting if the Palestinian group "does not return our hostages by Saturday noon".
Netanyahu said he had ordered Israeli forces to amass inside and around Gaza in response to Hamas's announcement that it was postponing freeing more hostages until further notice.
He, however, did not specify whether he was demanding the release of all 76 remaining hostages, or just the three due to be freed this Saturday - but a minister said he meant "everyone".
Hamas responded by saying it remained committed to the ceasefire deal and that Israel was "responsible for any complications or delay," BBC reported.
The resistance movement has accused Israel of violating the three-week-old ceasefire deal, including by blocking vital humanitarian aid - a claim Israel has denied.
Hamas's decision to delay this weekend's scheduled release prompted US President Donald Trump to propose that Israel cancel the agreement altogether and "let hell break out" unless "all of the hostages" were returned by Saturday.
Following a four-hour meeting of Israel's security cabinet on Tuesday, Netanyahu said in a video statement that he "welcomed President Trump's demand".
"In light of Hamas's announcement regarding its decision to violate the agreement and not release our hostages, last night I instructed the IDF to amass forces inside - and surrounding - the Gaza Strip.
"This action is being carried out at this hour and will be completed very soon."
He then issued an ultimatum that he said had the security cabinet's unanimous approval.
"If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end the IDF will resume intense fighting until the final defeat of Hamas."
There were conflicting messages from Israeli officials about whether Netanyahu meant Hamas should release all the remaining hostages or not.
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