Netanyahu Delays Cabinet Meeting Amid Hamas Ceasefire Dispute

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed a crucial Cabinet meeting on the proposed ceasefire agreement with Hamas, citing the group’s alleged reneging on previously agreed terms. Netanyahu accused Hamas of introducing last-minute demands that undermined the deal.

“Hamas is backing out of the explicit understandings agreed upon with the mediators and Israel in a last-minute blackmail attempt,” Netanyahu said in a statement Thursday morning. “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.”

Israel’s Directorate of Abductees, Returnees, and Missing Persons echoed Netanyahu’s concerns, notifying families of hostages that Hamas had introduced new demands inconsistent with the mediated agreement. The directorate urged families to rely only on official sources for updates.

The ceasefire deal, brokered by Qatar, was initially expected to take effect Sunday. It includes a phased exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Of the 98 individuals held by Hamas, the first phase would see 33 women, children, and elderly hostages released in exchange for 110 Palestinian prisoners, primarily those serving life sentences. The deal prioritizes hostages aged over 50 for the initial release.

Contentious aspects of the agreement include the fate of 65 hostages not included in the first phase. Critics argue that the phased approach prolongs their captivity and jeopardizes Israel’s broader war objectives. On the 16th day of the truce, further negotiations are set to determine the status of the remaining hostages.

The ceasefire deal could result in the release of approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, with some being deported. Israeli authorities will publish a list of prisoners scheduled for release, allowing terror victims to file legal challenges.

Hamas’s October 7 massacre, in which 1,200 people were killed and 252 individuals were abducted, has left a lasting impact on Israel. Among the hostages, more than 30 are believed to be dead. Hamas is also holding two Israeli civilians and the remains of two soldiers who have been missing since 2014.

Israel remains committed to securing the return of its citizens while addressing the complex challenges of negotiating with Hamas. As developments unfold, the nation’s determination to safeguard its people and maintain its security remains steadfast.

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