Cabinet Vote on Ceasefire with Hamas Postponed Amid Internal Disputes

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed a crucial cabinet vote on a ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Hamas, citing a “last-minute crisis” in negotiations.

At a Glance

  • Netanyahu accused Hamas of a “last-minute blackmail attempt,” delaying the cabinet vote
  • Hamas allegedly objected to Israel’s right to refuse the release of certain Palestinian prisoners
  • A senior Hamas official denied the accusations, stating commitment to the agreement
  • The proposed deal includes a six-week ceasefire, hostage releases, and humanitarian aid to Gaza
  • Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US are meeting in Cairo for further discussions

Netanyahu Halts Cabinet Meeting, Citing Hamas Crisis

In a surprising turn of events, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the postponement of a critical cabinet vote on a ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Hamas. The delay comes amid accusations that Hamas has withdrawn from certain terms of the agreement, particularly regarding the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Netanyahu’s office state, “Israel will not set a date for a cabinet and government meeting until the mediators announce that Hamas has approved all the details of the agreement.” This development has thrown the peace process into uncertainty, despite previous optimism from international leaders.

The core of the dispute appears to be centered on the identity of Palestinian prisoners set for release. According to reports, Hamas is demanding the right to determine which prisoners are freed, while Israel insists on maintaining its authority to refuse the release of those accused of serious crimes.

Netanyahu announced on Thursday that the ceasefire deal remains on hold as a result of a “last-minute crisis” and what the PM has described as a “last-minute blackmail attempt” by Hamas, further complicating an already delicate negotiation process. The Israeli government’s stance remains firm, emphasizing the need for Hamas to fully approve all aspects of the agreement before proceeding.

Hamas Denies Changing Terms

In response to Netanyahu’s accusations, a senior Hamas official refuted claims of altering the agreement terms. This conflicting narrative adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as both sides present differing accounts of the negotiation breakdown.

The Israeli government shared a video featuring a Hamas leader expressing pride in the October 7 attack and commitment to ongoing violence, further intensifying tensions.

“What occurred on October 7 — a miraculous military and security achievement by the elite Qassam Brigades — will remain a source of pride for our people,” Khalil al-Haya said in the video.

The proposed agreement, which now hangs in the balance, reportedly includes a six-week ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. It also outlines the release of approximately 33 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for the freeing of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. Additionally, the deal calls for a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Despite the setback, mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are continuing discussions in Cairo, aiming to bridge the gap between the two sides and salvage the agreement. The international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could bring a temporary halt to the ongoing conflict and provide much-needed relief to civilians caught in the crossfire.

As negotiations continue behind closed doors, the people of Gaza and Israel remain in a state of uncertainty, with the promise of peace tantalizingly close yet frustratingly out of reach.