Release the hostages or it's war: IDF braces for deal collapse

Following Hamas' announced suspension of hostage releases at the end of this week, the IDF has been ordered to prepare for a military response if the hostage deal collapses.

Channel 14 reports that Southern Command has sent down an order to forces in the area to be prepared to go on the offensive if the ceasefire agreed to for the hostage deal collapses.

According to this report, if this happens, the maneuvering divisions - the 162nd and Gaza divisions in the north and south of the Strip - are prepared to immediately launch an attack, with an intensity not seen since the beginning of the war.

Soldiers in the Gaza Division have now had all leave cancelled according to Ynet, a further sign of the IDF's intention to prepare for an offensive and the seriousness with which the government and army view the current crisis.

According to N12 News, the cabinet will meet tomorrow at 11 AM to discuss the options to respond to Hamas' freezing of exchanges of hostages for prisoners.

Hamas claims that Israel has violated the deal to such an extent that it decided to freeze the exchanges, noting in particular the IDF's refusal to allow heavy engineering equipment and other "violations," which Hamas has repeatedly complained about before.

However, Hamas has said that it wants to follow through with the deal, so long as Israel stops its "violations" and provides "compensation" for previous violations and delayed supplies.

Hamas leader Osama Hamdan told the Arab media that the exchange freeze was "a warning step for Israel and we understand its importance and its positive implications."

He added regarding the contacts about continuing the hostage release agreement: "Our documents are ready and our goals are clear. We hope the agreement will continue to the second phase that will establish a permanent ceasefire"