Israel postponed a Cabinet vote on Thursday regarding a crucial ceasefire agreement that would halt fighting in Gaza and secure the release of numerous hostages. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes resulted in at least 72 casualties in the conflict-affected region.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attributed the delay to a last-minute disagreement with Hamas.
Saif Ali Khan Health Update
Rising tensions within Netanyahu’s coalition government raised concerns about the deal’s implementation, despite its earlier confirmation by US President Joe Biden and Qatar, the key mediator.
This created a paradoxical situation: while Palestinians in Gaza, hostages’ families, and international leaders welcomed the outcome of extensive diplomatic efforts, Netanyahu rescheduled the Cabinet vote from Thursday to Friday at the earliest.
Netanyahu’s office said that Hamas had withdrawn from certain aspects of the agreement, seeking additional concessions, though specific details were not provided.
During a Thursday briefing, Israeli government spokesman David Mencer indicated that Hamas’ new demands concerned Israeli military positioning in the Philadelphi corridor, the narrow border area adjacent to Egypt that Israeli forces captured in May.
Hamas contested these assertions, with senior official Izzat al-Rishq affirming the organisation’s commitment to the announced ceasefire terms.
The delay’s extent appeared linked to maintaining stability within Netanyahu’s fragile government coalition. The agreement faced strong opposition from his far-right partners, whose support is crucial for his leadership. On Thursday, national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened resignation if the ceasefire received approval.
Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty urged both parties to implement the Gaza ceasefire immediately in a Thursday interview with The Associated Press. Egypt has been instrumental in mediating between the adversaries and remains central to ongoing negotiations.
The proposed agreement would facilitate the release of numerous Gaza hostages and pause hostilities, potentially leading to the conclusion of a 15-month conflict that has destabilised the Middle East and sparked global demonstrations.
The conflict began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, incursion into Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 250 hostages.
Israel’s military response has caused over 46,000 Palestinian casualties, according to local health authorities, who note that women and children constitute more than half of the deceased, without distinguishing between civilians and militants.
The offensive has destroyed substantial areas of Gaza, displacing about 90% of its 2.3 million residents. Many thousands now face hunger and illness in coastal refugee camps.