Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delays a crucial Cabinet vote on a ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Hamas, citing a “last-minute crisis” in negotiations.
At a Glance
- Netanyahu accuses Hamas of a “last-minute blackmail attempt,” delaying the cabinet vote
- Hamas allegedly objects to Israel’s right to refuse the release of certain Palestinian prisoners
- A senior Hamas official denies Netanyahu’s accusations, stating commitment to the agreement
- The proposed deal involves a six-week ceasefire, hostage releases, and humanitarian aid to Gaza
- Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US are meeting in Cairo for further discussions
Netanyahu Announces Delay in Ceasefire Deal
In a surprising turn of events, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced this week that the long-awaited cease-fire deal with Hamas is on hold due to a “last-minute crisis.” The delay comes as Israel shared a new video of Hamas boasting about the October 7 terror attack and threatening ongoing violence.
Netanyahu’s office stated, “Israel will not set a date for a cabinet and government meeting until the mediators announce that Hamas has approved all the details of the agreement.”
The decision has thrown the peace process into uncertainty, leaving many to question the future of the negotiations.
Specifically, the Israeli Prime Minister accused Hamas of attempting to blackmail Israel by altering the terms of the agreement at the last moment. According to reports, Hamas objected to Israel’s right to refuse the release of certain Palestinian prisoners accused of murders. Instead, the terrorist organization demanded the power to determine the identity of the prisoners to be released.
This sudden change in stance has caused significant tension, with Netanyahu refusing to convene the security cabinet meeting to approve the ceasefire agreement until Hamas agrees to the original terms.
Hamas Denies Accusations
Despite Netanyahu’s claims, a senior Hamas official has denied the accusations, maintaining that the organization remains committed to the agreement. This conflicting narrative has added another layer of complexity to an already delicate situation, leaving many observers unsure about the true state of negotiations.
The delayed agreement, if approved, would involve a three-phase process. The first phase includes a six-week ceasefire, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of hostages, including Americans. In exchange, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and humanitarian aid would flow into Gaza.
As negotiations continue, mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are meeting in Cairo for further discussions. The international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can bring an end to the ongoing conflict and provide relief to the people of Gaza.
