Israeli authorities accused Hamas on Thursday of causing a "last-minute crisis" by reneging on certain terms of the ceasefire and hostage release agreement announced the previous day by Qatari, Egyptian, and American mediators.
According to a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, "Hamas is retracting certain points of the agreement reached with the mediators and Israel in an attempt to extort last-minute concessions." © Mena Today
Israeli authorities accused Hamas on Thursday of causing a "last-minute crisis" by reneging on certain terms of the ceasefire and hostage release agreement announced the previous day by Qatari, Egyptian, and American mediators.
According to a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, "Hamas is retracting certain points of the agreement reached with the mediators and Israel in an attempt to extort last-minute concessions."
The statement stressed that Israel's Security Cabinet would not convene to approve the deal until mediators confirm that Hamas has agreed to all aspects of the agreement.
The agreement, which aimed to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, was seen as a critical step toward de-escalation. However, the alleged reversal by Hamas has introduced new uncertainty, stalling progress on implementing the deal.
Qatar, Egypt, and the United States continue their mediation efforts to bridge the gap between both sides and restore the integrity of the agreement. The situation remains tense as Israel awaits confirmation that Hamas will fully comply with the negotiated terms.
This latest development casts doubt over the fragile ceasefire efforts and raises concerns about the broader stability of the region.
Maronite Patriarch Béchara Raï reiterated his support Sunday for the US-brokered framework agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel in late June, describing it during his Sunday homily as a "national path to resolving outstanding issues, consolidating a just, comprehensive and lasting peace, and preserving the state's sovereignty over its entire territory."
US embassies in Jerusalem, Baghdad and Amman issued security alerts Saturday urging American citizens to exercise "heightened vigilance," as tensions flare between Iran and the United States. Americans were also told to "consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation."
President Donald Trump said Friday that Israel was "very happy" with an agreement reached by his so-called Board of Peace for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups in Gaza.
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