Topline
Title: Netanyahu Accuses Hamas of Backtracking on Ceasefire Terms as Israel Carries on Gaza Strikes
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of reneging on parts of a Gaza ceasefire agreement, potentially delaying a truce between the two sides set to begin on Sunday, just before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.
Key Facts
Netanyahu's office claimed that Hamas was causing a "last-minute crisis" by backing out of parts of the ceasefire deal, and the Israeli cabinet would not convene until "mediators confirmed that Hamas had accepted all elements of the agreement." In response, Senior Hamas leader Izzat al-Rishq dismissed Netanyahu's allegations, stating that Hamas remained committed to the ceasefire agreement announced by mediators.
Netanyahu's announcement came as the Israeli military continued to strike Gaza, with Hamas officials reporting that the attacks had killed dozens of people in the Palestinian enclave. The dispute over the ceasefire deal followed warnings from hard-right members of Netanyahu's ruling coalition that they might withdraw their support for his government if the agreement led to halting the conflict without achieving its objectives.
Before Netanyahu's announcement, Israeli public broadcaster Kan had reported that the cabinet meeting had been delayed because the prime minister wanted to ascertain if one of his hard-right coalition partners would resign from the government.
What Do We Know About The Ceasefire Deal?
US officials confirmed to the Associated Press that a ceasefire agreement had been reached after a last-minute dispute was resolved. According to Qatar's prime minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the first phase of the deal would last 42 days and involve Israeli forces withdrawing from populated areas and 33 hostages being returned from Gaza. President-elect Joe Biden stated in a press conference that American hostages would be released during the first phase. In a statement just before 2 p.m. EST, Biden said the deal would halt the fighting in Gaza and provide much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, adding that the agreement was the result of extreme pressure on Hamas and "dogged and painstaking American diplomacy."
Crucial Quote
"WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!" Trump posted on Truth Social just after noon on Wednesday, confirming the deal. Members of Trump's team, including his incoming Middle East advisor Steve Witkoff, had been working alongside Biden's administration in its final push for a ceasefire.
Was Trump Involved In The Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal?
According to Biden, Trump's team had been involved in the negotiations, and his national security team, through Witkoff, would "continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to ensure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven." Trump claimed in a post on Truth Social that the agreement "could have only happened as a result of" his election in November, stating it "signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies." In his press conference, Biden acknowledged that while his administration had negotiated the terms of the ceasefire, it would be up to the Trump administration to ensure implementation, stating they were passing "the next team a real opportunity for a brighter future in the Middle East."
Surprising Fact
When asked by a reporter whether he or Trump should receive credit for the deal, Biden responded with a laugh, "Is that a joke?" before leaving.
Key Background
Hamas had launched attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the death of over a thousand people and the capture of more than 240 hostages, prompting a massive Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip. The two sides had been engaged in nearly constant conflict since then. There was a brief pause in fighting in November 2023, as Hamas and Israel agreed on a temporary ceasefire in which about 100 hostages were released. However, they had been unable to agree on the terms of another ceasefire in the following year. Since the October 7 attack, over 45,000 Palestinians had been killed, according to Gaza Health Ministry reports. A report by a United Nations-created commission accused both Israel and Hamas of committing war crimes and violating international law. As the conflict continued, Israel faced mounting criticisms from other countries, including the US, for not permitting enough aid into the Gaza Strip and for not adequately protecting civilians.
Big Number
- According to The Washington Post, officials believed that 98 hostages remained in Gaza, with about 60 of them expected to still be alive.
When Does The Ceasefire Take Effect?
The first phase of the ceasefire was scheduled to begin on Sunday, January 19, with negotiations continuing during this phase to determine the future of Gaza, according to Biden. However, the deal would stand even if negotiations weren't finalized as long as they continued.
Further Reading
- Trump Warns 'All Hell Will Break Out' If Hamas Doesn't Return Hostages By Inauguration
- Live updates: Israel and Hamas agree to a ceasefire in Gaza, multiple officials say
The business community in Israel expressed hope that the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas would lead to stabilized market conditions. Despite the initial delay, the successful implementation of the ceasefire deal could potentially boost Israeli businesses, bringing much-needed economic growth.
