Israel and Hamas are trading accusations of violating the existing ceasefire as less than a week remains in their initial pause.

Hamas says talks with Israel about further steps in the Gaza ceasefire deal are conditional on Palestinian prisoners being freed as agreed. Israel said on Sunday it was delaying the release of more than 600 Palestinians in return for six living and four dead hostages who had been freed,

During discussions with several EU foreign ministers, including those from Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Finland, and Slovakia, Sa'ar reiterated Israel’s firm commitment to securing the release of its hostages while adhering to the strategic objectives set at the outset of the conflict.