Israel delays meeting on agreement due to Hamas' rejection of deal
Photo: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Getty Images)
The office of the Prime Minister of Israel has accused Hamas of backing out of some agreements regarding the deal. The Israeli government meeting has been postponed, the online newspaper The Times of Israel reports.
According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, Hamas rejected some agreements at the last minute, creating a "crisis" in the process of finalizing the deal for the release of hostages.
In response, Israel decided to delay the government meeting until mediators confirm Hamas's final agreement on the proposed details of the deal.
"The Israeli cabinet will not convene until the mediators notify Israel that Hamas has accepted all elements of the agreement," the statement said.
A senior Hamas official, Izzat al-Rishiq, denied Israel's claims. He stated that Hamas is "committed to the ceasefire agreement" announced by mediators in Qatar yesterday evening.
Israel and Hamas agreement
As reported, on January 15, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement regarding the Gaza Strip, paving the way for a ceasefire. The mediators between the sides were the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.
Under the agreement, Hamas is expected to release some Israeli hostages, totaling 33 individuals, including children, women, elderly, and sick people.
In the second phase, Israel will begin negotiations for the release of other prisoners. The third phase involves the return of hostages' bodies and the creation of a plan for reconstruction and a new administrative structure for the Gaza Strip.
To find out more about the Israel and Hamas agreement, read our material on the topic.
