Israeli army raises level of readiness amid risks to ceasefire in Gaza

TEL AVIV: The Israeli army said on Monday it is raising the “level of readiness” and reinforcing its forces in the southern command for defensive missions, according to a statement.

It said it was also postponing leave for combat soldiers and operational units within the command.

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It comes after Hamas on Monday announced it would stop releasing Israeli hostages until further notice over what the group called Israeli violations of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, raising the risk of reigniting the conflict.