Netanyahu delays cabinet vote on Gaza ceasefire, says Hamas backed out on parts of deal

CAIRO – 16 January 2025: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday delaying a cabinet vote on a recently reached ceasefire deal with Hamas regarding the war in Gaza, claiming that Hamas reneged on parts of the deal.

Netanyahu asserted that a “last-minute crisis” with Hamas is hindering the approval of the deal, with his office stating that the cabinet will not convene until Hamas retracts its position, according to media reports.

The Israeli prime minister’s office accused Hamas of backing out on certain aspects of the deal in an effort to secure additional concessions, but did not give further elaboration.

Egypt, Qatar, and the US, which have mediated talks between Israel and Hamas over the past year, announced on Wednesday that a ceasefire deal in Gaza and is set to take effect on Sunday.

The phased agreement will allow for the release of captives held by Hamas since their surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, including both living and deceased captives, in exchange for numerous Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons.

Both Israelis and Palestinians have received the news with intense joy, celebrating this long-awaited moment in streets with tears of joy.

People in many Arab countries have also celebrated this feat, filling streets and public squares with joyful chants.

WHAT WE KNOW

The Israeli cabinet is scheduled to vote on the deal on Thursday for official approval but the recent statements by Netanyahu’s office make it unclear whether the voting process will be conducted as scheduled.

In an address to the nation, Israeli President Isaac Herzog acknowledged that the ceasefire deal would bring "harrowing moments" and "significant challenges," but urged the cabinet to approve it.

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stated in a press conference yesterday that Hamas is expected to release 33 captives in the first phase of the deal, which spans 42 days, alongside the withdrawal of Israeli forces toward the East.

-Informed Egyptian Source says that the ceasefire agreement reached in Gaza Strip consists of 3 interconnected stages, the first of which will be implemented within 42 days

-The agreement emphasizes the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, the opening of border crossings, and the… pic.twitter.com/mQwHLI05Kd

— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) January 15, 2025

A joint statement from the mediators noted that the first phase includes a ceasefire, withdrawal and redeployment of Israeli forces from densely populated areas, an exchange of prisoners and detainees, and the return of the remains of the deceased.

During this phase, internally displaced Palestinians will be allowed to return to their homes in Gaza, and arrangements will be made for the sick and wounded to receive treatment, according to the statement.

The first phase also aims to intensify the safe and effective entry and distribution of humanitarian aid on a large scale in the Gaza Strip, rehabilitate hospitals, health centers, and bakeries, and provide civil defense supplies and fuel, as well as shelter for those displaced by the war.

BOMBARDMENT CONTINUES

Despite the ceasefire news, Israeli bombardment has continued, with airstrikes killing at least 70 people in the enclave overnight on Thursday, according to residents and authorities.

The recent attacks contribute to a harrowing death toll of more than 46,700 and over 110,200 injuries. The war has also displaced most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.

- The agreement includes the release of all Israeli detainees in the Gaza Strip in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners in the occupation prisons

- The first stage of the agreement includes a temporary halt to military operations by both parties

- On the… pic.twitter.com/JitIFeLuQO

— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) January 15, 2025

Egypt, Qatar, and the US previously brokered a brief ceasefire amid the fierce fighting in November 2023, resulting in the release of around 100 Israeli captives in exchange for around 240 Palestinian prisoners.

Reports indicate that 94 captives are still held in Gaza, with around a third presumed dead.

Talks regarding the implementation of the second phase of the agreement are set to commence on the 16th day of the first phase.

The second phase stage is anticipated to encompass the release of all remaining hostages, the establishment of a lasting ceasefire, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The third phase will focus on the recovery of all remaining deceased individuals and the initiation of reconstruction efforts in Gaza, overseen by Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.