The Hamas announcement that it will delay the next planned release of Israeli hostages from Gaza has threatened a fragile truce that’s seen as having the potential to wind down 16 months of war.

The three men all appeared thin, weak and pale, and in worse condition than the 18 hostages who had previously been freed under the truce.

The hostages, who were made to give public speeches thanking the Hamas militants who had held them captive, looked frail and gaunt, sparking dismay and outrage in Israel.

Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben-Ami and Or Levy looked emaciated and unsteady upon their release from nearly 500 days of captivity.

Hamas released three more Israeli hostages Saturday under the cease-fire deal, following a rancorous exchange where each side accused the other of violating the fragile truce’s terms. The civilians — Eli Sharabi,

Hamas released three more hostages on Saturday under a three-week-old cease-fire deal that has become a test of wills between the militant group and Israel. The group freed Or Levy, 34, who was taken from the Nova music festival 16 months ago,