Israel Delays Ceasefire Vote Amid Claims of Hamas Backtracking, Fresh Air Strikes Reported

Truce agreement faces hurdles as Israel accuses Hamas of reneging on terms; both sides experience anguish amid escalating tensions.

January 17, 2025: Israel has delayed a cabinet vote on a proposed ceasefire agreement with Hamas, citing allegations that the group is backtracking on parts of the deal. This announcement comes amidst fresh airstrikes in Gaza, adding to the mounting death toll on both sides. The truce, mediated by Qatar and the United States, was set to take effect on Sunday and involves the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, with plans to discuss a permanent end to the ongoing war.

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In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of attempting to secure last-minute concessions. “Hamas has reneged on parts of the agreement,” the statement read. It also clarified that the Israeli cabinet would not convene for a vote until mediators confirm Hamas’ acceptance of all terms.

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Hamas, however, dismissed these allegations, with senior political bureau member Sami Abu Zuhri stating, “There is no basis to Israel’s accusations.”

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Death Toll and Mixed Reactions

As violence continues, Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that fresh Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 73 people, further wounding hundreds. Meanwhile, in Gaza and Israel, the ceasefire announcement has sparked mixed emotions. While many celebrated the possibility of relief, others mourned recent losses.

Saeed Alloush, a Gaza resident, shared his despair after losing 40 family members in overnight strikes. “It was the happiest night since October 7, until we received the news of the martyrdom of my relatives,” he said.

In Tel Aviv, pensioner Simon Patya expressed conflicting feelings: “There is joy that hostages will return, but sorrow for those coming back in bags.”

Divisions Within the Israeli Cabinet

Two far-right members of Netanyahu’s cabinet—Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir—have publicly criticized the truce. Smotrich called the agreement “dangerous,” while Ben Gvir labeled it “disastrous.” Media reports suggest disagreements within the coalition may delay the vote’s ratification.

Mediators Push for Progress

The ceasefire agreement was brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani emphasizing the need for all parties to adhere to the deal. During the initial 42-day ceasefire phase, Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly. Concurrently, Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza’s densely populated areas, allowing displaced Palestinians to return home.

U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed the truce, calling the negotiations “some of the toughest” of his career and expressing hope for a permanent end to hostilities. Former President Donald Trump also hailed the agreement as “EPIC” on social media.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The deal is expected to facilitate the entry of much-needed humanitarian aid into Gaza. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi highlighted the urgency of accelerating aid through the Rafah crossing. The UN’s refugee agency, UNRWA, also called for “rapid, unhindered, and uninterrupted” access to alleviate the suffering caused by the war.

With hostilities still escalating and political divisions complicating peace efforts, the path to stability in the region remains uncertain.