JERUSALEM, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Israel has stepped up military readiness near Gaza, the military said on Sunday, after Hamas accused it of attempting to evade its obligations under a ceasefire agreement.

The decision was made "following a situational assessment," an Israeli military spokesperson said, adding that the forces were enhancing "military readiness and operational preparedness" in the Gaza border area.

There were no changes to home front guidelines.

Earlier on Sunday, Israel announced a delay in the release of 620 Palestinian detainees who were set to be freed under the truce agreement. Their release was part of the final phase of a hostage-prisoner exchange agreement after Hamas freed six Israeli hostages on Saturday.

Hamas Political Bureau member Izzat al-Rishq accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of "deliberately obstructing the agreement" and violating its terms, saying the move underscored Israel's "unreliability in fulfilling its commitments." He called on mediators and the international community to pressure Israel to release the prisoners without delay.

The fragile three-phase ceasefire agreement took effect on Jan. 19, pausing 15 months of fighting between Hamas and Israel that has devastated Gaza. Enditem

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