The Hamas announcement that it will delay the next planned release of Israeli hostages from Gaza has threatened a fragile truce that’s seen as having the potential to wind down 16 months of war.

On Monday, the Gaza ceasefire was thrown into doubt after Hamas said it would stop releasing hostages, accusing Israel of violating the agreement. Israel's defense minister said Hamas' announcement violated the deal. The military is at the highest level of readiness in Gaza and for domestic defense.

Israel completed its withdrawal from the Netzarim Corridor on Sunday, a key road that splits Gaza in half, as part of its commitments under a ceasefire agreement with Hamas.