Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to delay the release of the seventh group of Palestinian prisoners on Saturday, reports said.
Netanyahu was expected to hold consultations later that night to discuss the next steps, with a focus on securing the return of all Israeli captives, both living and deceased.
A final decision on whether to proceed with the release of 602 Palestinian prisoners would depend on the outcome of the meeting, according to the reports.
Officials said the discussions would examine the next phase of the prisoner exchange and whether to proceed with the scheduled releases.
Under the first 42-day phase of the ceasefire deal, which began on Jan. 19, 33 Israeli captives are to be freed in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Four Israeli captives are still due to be released under this phase.
The delay has sparked frustration among families of Israeli captives, who are organizing protests to urge the regime to honor the agreement and proceed with the planned prisoner releases.
Hamas Calls on Israel to Fully Implement Ceasefire Terms
Hamas reiterated on Saturday that the full implementation of the ceasefire deal is necessary to ensure future prisoner exchanges.
“The occupation must remain committed to the remaining terms of the agreement and the implementation of the humanitarian protocol,” Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif al-Qanou said in a statement.
“Thirty-three days have passed since the first phase started without the occupation fully implementing the agreement’s terms,” he added.
Al-Qanou warned of the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling for international mediators to pressure Israel to uphold the humanitarian provisions, including shelter and aid supplies for Palestinians.
Hamas has previously warned that it could delay the release of Israeli captives if the Israeli military violates the ceasefire agreement.