Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced Thursday that his Cabinet will not convene to approve the Gaza ceasefire agreement due to what it described as a “last-minute crisis” caused by Hamas.
The statement accused Hamas of reneging on parts of the agreement in a bid “to extort last-minute concessions.” Specific details of the alleged changes were not disclosed.
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Maya Alleruzzo/AP
Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani confirmed during a news conference in Doha that a ceasefire deal had been reached between Israel and Hamas. Doha served as the host city for the negotiations that led to the agreement.
Simultaneously, U.S. President Joe Biden announced the deal during a farewell address at the White House. The agreement, brokered with Qatar’s mediation, is seen as a significant step toward resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with key provisions including the release of hostages and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners.
Biden and Al Thani unveiled a Gaza ceasefire agreement designed to secure the release of 33 hostages over six weeks. In exchange, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and withdraw from significant portions of Gaza.
On Wednesday Iran-aligned forces in Iraq and Yemen also announced a suspension of their attacks on Israel following the ceasefire deal.
The decision from militant factions in the region, which now appears uncertain in light of Netanyahu’s announcement, reflects a shift in the regional dynamics influenced by the ceasefire.
The Israeli Cabinet was initially scheduled to ratify the deal Thursday, but the delay signals growing tensions as both sides attempt to finalize the terms of the ceasefire.
Shortly after the deal was announced on Wednesday, President-elect Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Wednesday to state that “WE HAVE A DEAL,” taking credit for the agreement and proclaiming that hostages held by Hamas “WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY.”
The deal, seen as a potential turning point in the conflict, now faces uncertainty as negotiators work to resolve the impasse.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
