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Netanyahu Delays Ceasefire Vote Amid Claims of Hamas Crisis





The Delay 


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu postponed a cabinet vote on a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The vote, initially set for Thursday, aimed to end 15 months of intense fighting but is now on hold. Netanyahu accused Hamas of causing a "last-minute crisis" by reneging on parts of the agreement mediated by international parties.


Netanyahu's Stance 


Netanyahu stated that the cabinet meeting would resume only after mediators confirmed Hamas had accepted all elements of the deal. He refrained from detailing which aspects of the agreement Hamas allegedly rejected.


Hamas Denies Allegations 


Senior Hamas officials denied Netanyahu's claims. Sami Abu Zuhri, speaking to Al-Araby TV, asserted there is "no basis" for Netanyahu’s accusations. Izzat al-Rishq emphasized that Hamas remains committed to the terms announced by mediators.


Political Pressure in Israel 


The delay occurs as Netanyahu faces pressure from both ends of the political spectrum. Far-right coalition members strongly oppose any agreement with Hamas, threatening to dissolve the government if the deal proceeds. On the other hand, moderate cabinet members and President Isaac Herzog urged the government to support the ceasefire.


Human Toll Escalates 


As negotiations stall, violence continues. Over 73 people were killed and more than 230 were injured in Gaza overnight, according to Hamas-run emergency services. Israeli airstrikes persisted into Thursday morning. Since the war began on October 7, 2023, more than 46,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children, have been killed, according to Gaza health officials. Israeli authorities report 1,200 Israeli deaths from the initial Hamas attack and 405 military fatalities during the conflict.


International Involvement 


Netanyahu thanked U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump for their roles in brokering the agreement. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed optimism that the ceasefire could still begin on Sunday despite the current impasse.


The Backdrop of The Conflict 


The conflict began with a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel in October 2023, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages. International mediators, including U.S. and Qatari officials, have worked to negotiate an end to the violence, but recent events highlight the fragility of such efforts.



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