Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office alleged on Thursday that Hamas was attempting to backtrack on certain aspects of the ceasefire agreement brokered with Israel and international mediators. The statement claimed Hamas was seeking "last-minute concessions," raising concerns over the agreement’s finalization.
"The Israeli cabinet will not convene until the mediators notify Israel that Hamas has accepted all elements of the agreement," Netanyahu's office asserted.
The Israeli cabinet had been scheduled to meet on Thursday to approve the ceasefire, which was announced on Wednesday and set to take effect on Sunday. Negotiations are ongoing, with Israel’s delegation remaining in Doha, Qatar, where the discussions have been held.
Hamas, however, rejected the claims, asserting its commitment to the terms of the ceasefire. "The organization is committed to the ceasefire agreement announced by the mediators," said Izzat al-Risheq, a senior member of the group’s political bureau, in a statement on Telegram.
The ceasefire agreement reportedly includes a 42-day truce and the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for prisoners held by Israel. It follows months of negotiations and was publicly confirmed on Wednesday by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.Intensified Airstrikes in Gaza Ahead of Truce
Since the ceasefire announcement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified airstrikes across Gaza. According to Gaza’s Civil Defense, at least 71 Palestinians were killed in the strikes on Wednesday and early Thursday, including 61 in Gaza City alone. Among the victims were 19 children and 24 women, with over 200 others injured.
Witnesses reported heavy bombardment targeting Gaza City, as well as Rafah in the south and Nuseirat in central Gaza. Homes and civilian infrastructure were destroyed in the attacks, according to local sources.
The IDF also accused Hamas of firing a rocket into Israel on Thursday, though no casualties were reported.
These developments come amidst celebrations in Gaza following the announcement of the truce. However, many residents and observers have expressed skepticism, fearing further escalation before the agreement’s implementation on Sunday.Context and Humanitarian Impact
Israel’s military operation in Gaza began 15 months ago in response to a cross-border raid by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The raid resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli casualties and the capture of 250 individuals, 94 of whom remain in captivity.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, nearly 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, and over 104,000 wounded since the onset of the conflict, underscoring the devastating humanitarian toll.
As the ceasefire approaches, international mediators are working to ensure both parties adhere to the terms of the agreement, seeking to bring a temporary respite to the region after months of intense violence.
The opinions posted here do not belong to 🔰www.indiansdaily.com. The author is solely responsible for the opinions.
As per the IT policy of the Central Government, insults against an individual, community, religion or country, defamatory and inflammatory remarks, obscene and vulgar language are punishable offenses. Legal action will be taken for such expressions of opinion.