Thu Jan 16 12:18:09 UTC 2025: ## Gaza Ceasefire Deal Stalled by Last-Minute Hamas Objections

**Jerusalem/Gaza City** – A long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, announced Wednesday with much fanfare, is facing potential collapse due to last-minute disagreements. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of backtracking on key details of the agreement, delaying its approval by the Israeli government.

The deal, brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, was initially hailed as a breakthrough after fifteen months of devastating conflict. It promised a phased release of over 1000 Palestinian prisoners, alongside the return of 33 Israeli hostages held by Hamas since October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel. The initial phase was to see the release of 33 hostages, including ill and injured individuals, in exchange for the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences. A further 1,000 Palestinians, arrested after the October attack but not directly implicated in it, will also be released. The ceasefire itself was set to begin on January 19.

However, Netanyahu’s statement Thursday threw the deal into jeopardy. He claims Hamas is reneging on clauses that allowed Israel to veto the release of specific Palestinian prisoners, essentially attempting to dictate which prisoners would be freed. Hamas vehemently denies these accusations. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri stated that there is “no basis” to Netanyahu’s claims.

The conflict has claimed the lives of over 46,700 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and 1,210 Israelis. Gaza has been left in ruins, with the majority of its pre-war population of 2.3 million displaced. Even as the deal was announced, Israeli airstrikes continued, killing dozens more Palestinians.

International reactions have been mixed. While many nations, including India and the EU, welcomed the agreement, concerns remain about its implementation. Humanitarian organizations are pressing for increased aid access to Gaza. The Israeli cabinet is scheduled to vote on the deal, but its passage remains uncertain given the ongoing disputes. President-elect Donald Trump claimed credit for helping to broker the deal, and President Biden has affirmed the US worked closely with the Trump team. Former President Obama called the deal “good news”, but the fragility of the situation remains a potent reminder of the challenges ahead.

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