The ceasefire has largely held since it began on January 19, although there have been some incidents where Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces.

Stalling the next release of hostages from the Gaza Strip, scheduled for the coming weekend, raises new challenges for the already tenuous six-week truce and chances for a lasting end to the war.

Hamas suspends release of Israeli hostages from Gaza – putting ceasefire deal at risk - Israel and Hamas have repeatedly accused each other of violating an initial six-week truce aimed at eventually e