As a ceasefire deal looms, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed a vital cabinet vote initially scheduled for Thursday, citing claims that Hamas is demanding last-minute alterations. Despite the apparent setback, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken remains optimistic that the ceasefire, expected to commence on Sunday, will proceed as planned.
Israel Postpones Critical Vote on Gaza Ceasefire Agreement Amid Ongoing Strikes
Israel Postpones Critical Vote on Gaza Ceasefire Agreement Amid Ongoing Strikes
Tensions rise as Israeli Prime Minister delays vote on ceasefire, with Hamas seeking amendments to prisoner exchanges.
Netanyahu's deferment comes in the wake of intensified Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, which reportedly resulted in over 80 fatalities following the announcement of the ceasefire proposal. He accused Hamas of attempting to "extort last-minute concessions," asserting that no cabinet meeting would occur unless the group agreed to the entire agreement.
Blinken acknowledged the negotiation challenges, stating such delays are common in complex situations. He reiterated the confidence the U.S. has in the establishment of the ceasefire and emphasized the ongoing efforts to finalize the agreement.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Israeli cabinet might convene on Friday to vote on the ceasefire, with a majority of ministers anticipated to support it. However, Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, representing a right-wing faction, threatened to withdraw from the government should the deal pass, deeming it "reckless."
Despite this discord, a senior Hamas official announced the organization's commitment to the current agreement while revealing attempts to include additional members on the prisoner release list. The initial phase of the deal aims for an exchange of 33 hostages for Palestinian prisoners, along with other provisions.
Israeli airstrikes have persisted, resulting in numerous casualties amidst heightened violence following the ceasefire announcement. Reports suggest that strikes targeted around 50 sites in Gaza overnight. The Prime Minister of Qatar, involved in mediating the discussions, urged for restraint from both factions ahead of the intended ceasefire.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens—with significant casualties in Gaza and widespread displacements—both local and international stakeholders remain watchful for the anticipated agreement's impact on the region's future and the potential for lasting peace.
The discussions continue to reveal the fragility of the ongoing negotiations, much to the concern of those in both Gaza and Israel.
Blinken acknowledged the negotiation challenges, stating such delays are common in complex situations. He reiterated the confidence the U.S. has in the establishment of the ceasefire and emphasized the ongoing efforts to finalize the agreement.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Israeli cabinet might convene on Friday to vote on the ceasefire, with a majority of ministers anticipated to support it. However, Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, representing a right-wing faction, threatened to withdraw from the government should the deal pass, deeming it "reckless."
Despite this discord, a senior Hamas official announced the organization's commitment to the current agreement while revealing attempts to include additional members on the prisoner release list. The initial phase of the deal aims for an exchange of 33 hostages for Palestinian prisoners, along with other provisions.
Israeli airstrikes have persisted, resulting in numerous casualties amidst heightened violence following the ceasefire announcement. Reports suggest that strikes targeted around 50 sites in Gaza overnight. The Prime Minister of Qatar, involved in mediating the discussions, urged for restraint from both factions ahead of the intended ceasefire.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens—with significant casualties in Gaza and widespread displacements—both local and international stakeholders remain watchful for the anticipated agreement's impact on the region's future and the potential for lasting peace.
The discussions continue to reveal the fragility of the ongoing negotiations, much to the concern of those in both Gaza and Israel.
