Israel Delays Ceasefire Over Hamas Dispute
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Israel postponed a crucial Cabinet vote on a ceasefire deal that aimed to pause the fighting in Gaza and secure the release of dozens of hostages. The delay happened as Israeli airstrikes killed at least 72 people in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Hamas for changing the deal at the last minute, but Hamas denied this, saying it remains committed to the agreement.
The delay also revealed disagreements within Israel’s government. Some ministers, like Itamar Ben-Gvir, threatened to quit if the ceasefire goes ahead, arguing it would harm Israel’s military progress. Others, like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, also oppose the deal unless the offensive continues.
The conflict started after Hamas’s October 7 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and led to 250 hostages being taken. Since then, over 46,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza, with women and children making up more than half the casualties. The fighting has also displaced nearly 90% of Gaza’s population.
The proposed deal includes releasing 33 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, providing humanitarian aid, and partial troop withdrawals. However, long-term plans for Gaza remain unclear. Further negotiations are expected for the release of more hostages, with Hamas linking this to a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal. Netanyahu, however, has vowed to destroy Hamas and keep control over Gaza.
International criticism of both Israel and Hamas is growing due to the high number of civilian casualties and the worsening humanitarian crisis.
