Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of backing out of a cease-fire deal to release hostages and bring a pause to over a year of fighting. Netanyahu’s office said the Israeli Cabinet will not meet to approve the Gaza cease-fire deal until Hamas backs down from what was called a “last minute crisis.” The agreement was set to be ratified on Thursday, but Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of trying to go back on part of the agreement in an attempt to “extort last minute concessions.”
According to President Biden, the deal would roll out in three phases. The first phase would last six weeks and include a full and complete cease-fire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, and the release of hostages held by Hamas, including women and elderly and the wounded. Americans would be part of the hostage release and phase one. In exchange, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, Palestinians could return to their neighborhoods in all areas of Gaza, and a surge of humanitarian assistance would begin.
It is unclear what specific part of the agreement Hamas is trying to alter, but Netanyahu’s office has stated that the Israeli Cabinet will not move forward with the deal until Hamas backs down. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
