Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Hamas of reneging on an earlier understanding of the ceasefire agreement, which is awaiting approval from the Israeli government.
Netanyahu stated that Hamas is objecting to a clause granting Israel veto power over the release of specific Palestinian prisoners, including those identified as “mass murderers and symbols of terrorism.” In a statement, his office emphasized that Israeli negotiators have been instructed to uphold the original terms.
The proposed agreement outlines a six-week ceasefire phase, during which Hamas would release 33 hostages, including women, children, and elderly men, while Israel would free up to 1,650 Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, the deal includes increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, with 600 aid trucks permitted daily.
Despite the announcement, Gaza continues to experience intense Israeli bombardment, with strikes reported in multiple regions, resulting in significant casualties and destruction. The ceasefire is expected to take effect on Sunday.
Negotiations leading to the deal took place in Doha amidst the ongoing war, which has caused extensive loss of life and displacement in Gaza since October 2023.
Negotiations over a second phase of the agreement are to begin on the 16th day of phase one and are expected to include the release of all remaining hostages, including male Israeli soldiers, a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces.
A third phase is expected to include the return of the bodies of the dead hostages and the beginning of Gaza’s reconstruction, supervised by Egypt, Qatar and the UN.
Shortly after the ceasefire deal was announced, Hamas’ acting Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya said in a televised address that Israel failed to achieve its goals in the Palestinian territory.
He also vowed Hamas will neither forgive nor forget Israel’s actions in Gaza.
