Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has raised concerns over Hamas’s commitment to a proposed cease-fire aimed at releasing hostages and bringing an end to more than a year of conflict. Netanyahu’s office indicated that his Cabinet will not convene to discuss this cease-fire agreement until Hamas retracts what they described as a “last minute crisis.”
Netanyahu accused Hamas of attempting to renegotiate parts of the agreement, which he believes is a tactic to extract last-minute concessions. The Israeli government had been prepared to approve the deal on Thursday.
In a separate announcement, President Biden, alongside Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, outlined plans for the cease-fire deal, which is expected to unfold in three phases. Biden stated that the first phase is set to last six weeks and will involve a comprehensive cease-fire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza, and the release of several hostages held by Hamas, including women, the elderly, and the injured. Biden expressed pride that American citizens would be part of this hostage release.
In return, the Israeli government is anticipated to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The deal also allows for the safe return of Palestinians to their neighborhoods in Gaza and promises an influx of humanitarian assistance into the region.
This situation remains fluid, and updates are likely as negotiations continue.
