The US State Department has warned Georgia that “now is not the time to increase engagement with Russia” and has threatened the NATO hopeful with sanctions over resuming direct flights with its northern neighbor.

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The development comes after a ceasefire allowed the release of dozens of prisoners on both sides Israel has resumed its attacks on Hamas after a lull lasting several days, accusing the Palestinian armed group of violating the ceasefire. West Jerusalem has repeatedly said that it would resume the hostilities after the truce is over.