The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas still stands after Hamas announced on Thursday that it would proceed with the planned release of Israeli hostages this weekend. 

Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and Israel, earlier said it will postpone the next phase of the exchange, accusing Israel of failing to uphold parts of the agreement. 

The ceasefire agreement initially outlined the release of 33 hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. So far, five swaps have taken place, freeing 21 Israeli hostages and more than 730 Palestinian detainees. 

After renewed talks with ceasefire mediators Egypt and Qatar, the group confirmed it would move forward with the deal. Under the agreement, three Israeli hostages are expected to be released on Saturday, in exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners.

“Hamas confirms its continued position to implement the deal according to what was signed, which includes exchanging prisoners according to the specified timetable,” the group said in a statement.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz earlier warned that Israel will restart its military operations in Gaza if Hamas will postpone the release of Israeli hostages, saying this is a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement and the hostage release deal. 

An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there was “no appetite” within Israel’s leadership to abandon the ceasefire, expressing confidence that the issue would be resolved. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly commented on Hamas’ latest statement.

Meanwhile, Israel reported that a rocket was launched from Gaza on Thursday but fell within the Palestinian territory. In response, the Israel Defense Forces said it struck the launcher used in the attack. Hamas did not immediately comment on the incident.