Israel, Hamas trade accusations of blocking Gaza deal: What we know
Israel and Hamas are accusing each other of blocking the deal announced on Wednesday for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages due to disagreements over the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Israel and Hamas are blaming each other for blocking the agreement that was announced Wednesday for a ceasefire in Gaza as gaps remain over the identity of the Palestinian prisoners set to be released from Israeli jails.
What happened: The Israeli security cabinet was scheduled to discuss and vote on the agreement at 11:00 a.m. local time Thursday. However, shortly before the meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced a delay, accusing Hamas of altering its positions after the draft deal had already been finalized. To formalize the agreement, approval is required from the Israeli security cabinet — a restricted forum of ministers responsible for security and diplomatic matters — as well as the broader government.
The mediated deal between Israel and Hamas includes the release of between 1,000 and 1,600 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages held in Gaza. But Israel has been reluctant to release so-called high-value prisoners who had been sentenced to life imprisonment over the killings of Israeli citizens. Israel did agree to release some such prisoners — 290, according to Ynet — but insisted on having the right to veto those who had become symbols of Palestinian resistance.
"Contrary to an explicit clause that gives Israel the right to veto the release of mass murderers who are symbols of terrorism, Hamas demands that the identity of these terrorists be dictated," read Netanyahu’s statement, adding, "The prime minister instructed the negotiating team to stand by the understandings that were agreed upon and reject outright the last-minute blackmail attempts on the part of Hamas."
