Israel delays ceasefire vote, accuses Hamas of backtracking on agreement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his Cabinet would not meet on Thursday to ratify the Gaza ceasefire agreement, accusing Palestinian militant group Hamas of backtracking on parts of the deal, reported Al Jazeera.

“Hamas reneges on parts of the agreement reached with the mediators and Israel in an effort to extort last-minute concessions,” read a statement by Netanyahu’s office. “The Israeli cabinet will not convene until the mediators notify Israel that Hamas has accepted all elements of the agreement.”

Israel and Hamas arrived at a ceasefire and hostage deal on Wednesday. The agreement is aimed at ending 15 months of conflict in the besieged Palestinian territory of Gaza.

The ceasefire is slated to take effect on Sunday. The Israeli Cabinet was expected to ratify the deal on Thursday.

After Netanyahu’s announcement, Hamas leader Izzat al-Risheq stated that the group was “committed to the ceasefire agreement that was announced by the mediators”.

Another Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri said in an interview to Al-Arabi TV that there was “no basis” to Netanyahu’s statement, reported NPR.

Israel has intensified its airstrikes on Gaza since the ceasefire deal was announced.

At least 81 persons were killed by the strikes in the last 24 hours, Al Jazeera quoted Gaza’s health ministry as stating. Nearly 200 persons were injured.

Israel’s military offensive against Gaza began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas launched an incursion…

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