Netanyahu’s announcement came one day after Hamas said it would postpone the handover of hostages because Israel was violating the ceasefire deal.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Hamas on Tuesday to proceed with the release of the Israeli hostages, warning that renewed hostilities in Gaza must be avoided at all costs.

He urged both sides to fully abide by their commitments in the cease-fire agreement and resume serious negotiations in Doha for the second phase.