Netanyahu Delays Gaza Cease-Fire Deal, Citing Hamas Backtracking
TDT | Manama
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed a proposed Gaza cease-fire agreement on Thursday, accusing Hamas of reneging on parts of the deal. His office announced that the Israeli Cabinet would not vote on the agreement until Hamas resolved what was described as a “last-minute crisis.”
Netanyahu's office alleged that Hamas was attempting to extract “last-minute concessions” by altering previously agreed-upon terms, though no specifics were provided. The accusations came hours after U.S. President Joe Biden, flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, revealed details of the deal during a press conference.
The proposed cease-fire, outlined in three phases, includes a full cessation of hostilities, a withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza, and the release of hostages held by Hamas, including Americans. President Biden emphasized the U.S.’s role in facilitating the agreement and expressed anticipation for the safe return of American hostages.
“The first phase will last six weeks and includes a full cease-fire, the release of hostages, and the return of Palestinians to their neighborhoods. Humanitarian aid will also be significantly increased,” Biden said. In exchange, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Izzat al-Rishq, a senior Hamas official, insisted that the militant group remained committed to the agreement brokered by international mediators. However, Netanyahu’s office argued that Hamas had backtracked on an earlier understanding, which would have allowed Israel to veto the release of prisoners convicted of murder.
The cease-fire terms include the release of 33 hostages over six weeks in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces are expected to pull back from key areas in Gaza, enabling hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to their homes. Additionally, humanitarian aid is set to increase significantly to address the needs of Gaza’s population.
The delay has cast uncertainty over the fragile agreement, with international observers closely monitoring the situation for further developments.
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