The statement was made after Hamas representatives announced that they had completed handing over the bodies of the hostages.

"If Hamas refuses to respect the agreement, Israel, in coordination with the United States, will resume fighting and work towards the total defeat of Hamas," the press release, which also contains the ministry's statement, said, according to Le Figaro.

The reaction comes after Hamas announced that it had handed over “all the remains of hostages held in Gaza to which it had access.” Katz described the gesture as “a violation of the agreement,” stressing that the deal calls for the return of all deceased hostages in the group’s possession.

The Israeli official's statement marks a new escalation of tensions between the parties, just days after the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza and discussions on a possible lasting ceasefire.