A long-awaited ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel hangs in the balance due to a 'last-minute crisis,' according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli airstrikes continue to kill civilians in Gaza, while Hamas accuses Israel of reneging on key terms of the deal. International mediators are scrambling to avert a collapse of the fragile agreement, which aims to end the 15-month war and secure the release of hostages.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday that a 'last-minute crisis' with Hamas was obstructing Israel i approval of a long-awaited agreement to halt the fighting in the Gaza Strip and release dozens of hostages. Meanwhile, Israel i airstrikes resulted in the deaths of dozens of people across the war-torn territory.
Netanyahu's office asserted that the Cabinet will not convene to endorse the agreement until Hamas retreats, accusing the militant group of reneging on certain provisions in an attempt to secure further concessions. IIzzat al-Rishq, a senior Hamas official, declared that the militant group 'is committed to the ceasefire agreement, which was announced by the mediators.' This agreement aims to secure the release of scores of hostages held in Gaza and bring an end to the 15-month war that has destabilized the Middle East and sparked global protests. Previously, Netanyahu's office had accused Hamas of going back on an earlier understanding that, according to him, would grant Israel a veto over the release of convicted murderers among the prisoners being exchanged for hostages. The prospect of releasing hostages is a crucial factor in the negotiations, but Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners have threatened to topple his government if he makes too many concessions. Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip have killed at least 48 people in the past day, according to the territory's Health Ministry. In past conflicts, both sides have intensified military operations in the final hours preceding ceasefires as a means of demonstrating strength. Around half of the fatalities were women and children, Zaher al-Wahedi, the head of the ministry's registration department, told The Associated Press. He indicated that the death toll could rise as hospitals update their records. The war commenced when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of around 250. Around 100 hostages remain in Gaza, and the Israeli military estimates that between a third and half of them are deceased. 33 hostages are slated for release over the next six weeks in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Israeli forces would withdraw from numerous areas, allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to the remnants of their homes, and there would be an influx of humanitarian aid. The remaining hostages, including male soldiers, are to be released in a second, significantly more challenging phase that will be negotiated during the first. Hamas has asserted that it will not release the remaining captives without a lasting ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal, while Israel has vowed to continue its offensive until the group is dismantled and to maintain open-ended security control over the territory. Israel’s offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 46,000 people in Gaza, primarily women and children, according to the Health Ministry. It does not specify how many of the deceased were militants. Israel claims to have killed over 17,000 fighters, but has not provided any evidence to support this assertion.Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. are expected to convene in Cairo on Thursday for discussions on implementing the agreement. They have dedicated the past year to holding indirect talks with Israel and Hamas that ultimately culminated in a deal after numerous setbacks. President-elect Donald Trump’s Mideast envoy joined the negotiations in the final weeks, and both the outgoing administration and Trump’s team are claiming credit for the breakthrough. Israel has faced intense international criticism, including from its closest ally, the United States, over the civilian casualties in Gaza. It also blames Hamas for the civilian deaths, accusing it of utilizing schools, hospitals, and residential areas for military purposes. The International Criminal Court, a separate body also based in The Hague, is investigating allegations brought by South Africa that Israel has committed genocide. The International Criminal Court, a separate body also based in The Hague, is also investigating allegations brought by the Palestinian Authority that Israel has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the war. Hamas has endured overwhelming pressure from Israeli military operations, including the invasion of Gaza's largest cities and towns and the takeover of the border between Gaza and Egypt. However, its fighters have regrouped in some of the hardest-hit areas following the withdrawal of Israeli forces, raising the prospect of a prolonged insurgency if the war persists
HAMAS ISRAEL CEASEFIRE HOSTAGES GAZA NETANYAHU
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
BREAKING NEWS: Hamas and Israel Reach Ceasefire AgreementAfter weeks of intense conflict, a ceasefire agreement has been reached between Hamas and Israel, bringing to an end the deadliest war in Gaza's history. President-elect Donald Trump took credit for the deal, claiming hostages held by Hamas 'WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY.' While the U.S. and Israeli governments have yet to publicly confirm the agreement, progress towards a ceasefire is reported, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar returning to Israel for crucial discussions.
Read more »
Ceasefire Deal Near as Israel and Hamas Reach Agreement on Hostage ExchangeNegotiators in Qatar are nearing a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas that includes the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian detainees. The agreement also foresees a six-week pause in fighting and eventual troop withdrawal from Gaza.
Read more »
Israel and Hamas reach a Gaza ceasefire agreementIsrael and Hamas have reached an agreement on a multiphase ceasefire that commits them to end the war in Gaza, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman James Risch said.
Read more »
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Agreement: Biden's Legacy, Trump's Influence, and the Road AheadA ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, brokered with significant involvement from both outgoing President Biden and incoming President Trump, has been announced. While marking a temporary suspension of hostilities, the deal is viewed as a first step in a complex peace process. The article explores the roles played by both presidents, the challenges ahead, and the potential for lasting peace.
Read more »
Israel and Hamas Reach Multi-Phase Ceasefire Agreement Ending Gaza WarA potential end to the 15-month Gaza war appears on the horizon as Israel and Hamas agree to a multi-phase ceasefire. President Biden and Qatar's Prime Minister announced the deal on Wednesday, outlining its commitment to ending the fighting, providing humanitarian aid, and reuniting hostages with their families.
Read more »
Historic Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Agreement Reached, Marking Hope for PeaceA groundbreaking ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, is on the verge of implementation. The deal, set to begin Sunday, includes phased withdrawals of Israeli forces from Gaza, the release of hostages, and the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid. It offers a beacon of hope for peace in a region ravaged by over a year of conflict.
Read more »