Is the ceasefire in jeopardy?
According to a New York Post report, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal is being held up due to a “last-minute crisis” — he has delayed the Cabinet vote.
“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,” his office said.
Netanyahu is accusing Hamas of a last-minute blackmail attempt.
“Hamas is demanding that it determine the identity of the terrorists to be released,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement, vowing to stand firm on the earlier agreement.
From The New York Post:
In part, that included the terror group objecting to a part of the agreement that gave Israel the right to refuse the release of certain Palestinian prisoners accused of murders.
…
Izzat al-Rashq, a senior Hamas official, denied it, saying the terror group remained “committed” to the long-awaited agreement announced Wednesday.
However, Israel shared a video early Thursday of Hamas leader Khalil al-Haya seemingly responding to the deal by expressing ongoing commitment to the violence that led to the Oct. 7 slaughter.
“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,” al-Haya said in the speech, according to a translated video shared by Israeli diplomat David Saranga.
“It struck the heart of the enemy and will lead, Allah willing, to the restoration of all our rights,” he said — accusing Israel of “genocidal wars, Nazi crimes, and acts of inhumanity,” according to the translation.
“We will never forget or forgive those who participated in this genocide … Justice will be served to these criminals, even if delayed,” he was quoted as saying.
“Our enemy will see no moment of weakness or surrender from us.”
This story is developing…
Netanyahu says ‘last minute crisis’ with Hamas holding up approval of Gaza truce and hostage deal https://t.co/WCecVDPCZ2 pic.twitter.com/OiSSXVwlQN
— New York Post (@nypost) January 16, 2025