Netanyahu Delays Gaza Ceasefire Cabinet Vote Amid Hamas Demands

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed the cabinet vote on the Gaza ceasefire deal, originally set for Thursday. He accused Hamas of demanding last-minute changes to the agreement.

Despite the delay, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that a “loose end” was being tied up. He expressed confidence that the ceasefire would begin as scheduled on Sunday.

Approval Needed Before Implementation

Although Israeli negotiators reached an agreement after months of talks, the deal cannot be implemented without approval from the security cabinet. Meanwhile, Hamas affirmed its commitment to the deal, but sources suggest it tried to add more members to the list of Palestinian prisoners to be released.

Israeli Strikes Continue After Deal Announcement

Following the announcement of the ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza. As a result, the Hamas-run health ministry reported that over 80 people were killed.

Netanyahu Accuses Hamas of Extortion

Just hours before the cabinet meeting, Netanyahu accused Hamas of attempting to “extort last-minute concessions.” He added that the cabinet would not convene until Hamas accepted all elements of the agreement.

Blinken Explains Delay

In response, Blinken noted that such delays were to be expected in such complex negotiations. “It’s not exactly surprising,” he said, emphasizing that the US was “confident” the deal would take effect on Sunday.

Cabinet Expected to Meet on Friday

Israeli media indicated that the cabinet would likely meet on Friday to approve the deal. Although unconfirmed, it was reported that the issue causing the delay had been resolved.

Right-Wing Party Threatens to Quit

However, Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, from the right-wing Otzma Yehudit party, stated that his party would quit Netanyahu’s government if the deal was approved. He labeled the deal as “reckless” and warned it would undo the achievements of the war.

Hamas Sticks to Agreement

On the other hand, Khalil al-Hayya, head of Hamas’s delegation, confirmed the group’s approval of all the terms of the ceasefire. Nevertheless, sources revealed that Hamas attempted to add a few more members to the list of prisoners to be released.

First Phase of the Deal

The first phase of the deal will involve the exchange of 33 hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, Israeli troops will withdraw from densely populated areas of Gaza. Displaced Palestinians will return to their homes, and hundreds of aid lorries will be allowed to enter Gaza.

Second and Third Phases

Subsequently, the second phase will see the release of all remaining hostages and a full Israeli troop withdrawal. The third phase will focus on returning any remaining hostages’ bodies and the reconstruction of Gaza, a process that may take years.

Israeli Strikes Continue After Deal

Despite the deal announcement, Israeli airstrikes continued, killing at least 12 people in Gaza City. According to the Israel Defense Forces, 50 targets were struck in Gaza since the ceasefire announcement.

Meanwhile, Qatar, which helped mediate the deal, urged both sides to remain calm ahead of the ceasefire’s start.

Background of the Conflict

This conflict began when Hamas launched a cross-border attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since then, over 46,788 people have been killed in Gaza. As of now, 94 hostages are still being held by Hamas, with 34 presumed dead.