Netanyahu Postpones Gaza Ceasefire Vote Amid Ongoing Strikes

Despite a ceasefire deal being announced, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has postponed the vote to approve it due to last-minute demands from Hamas, as strikes in Gaza continue to escalate.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a postponement of the vote regarding the approval of a ceasefire deal for Gaza, originally scheduled for Thursday. This delay is attributed to concerns raised by Netanyahu about Hamas seeking to modify the agreement at the last moment. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken intervened, asserting that a "loose end" was being resolved but expressed confidence that the ceasefire would still commence as planned on Sunday.

While Israeli negotiators had spent months reaching an accord, formal implementation hinges on approval from the security cabinet and the government. Although Hamas has publicly expressed its commitment to the deal, reports indicate that they are attempting to include additional names of their members for release among the Palestinian prisoners.

The delay came in light of renewed Israeli strikes in Gaza that resulted in over 80 fatalities, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry. Netanyahu accused Hamas of "extorting last-minute concessions" and stated that the cabinet would not meet until all parties accepted the agreement's terms.

Blinken characterized the delay as expected in such difficult negotiations, remarking during a Washington press conference, "It’s not surprising that in a process that’s taken so long, some loose ends could arise." Nevertheless, he maintained that the U.S. is confident the ceasefire will be activated on Sunday to allow a cessation of hostilities.

Israeli media has projected that the cabinet is likely to convene on Friday to finalize the deal. While a majority of ministers are expected to support it, Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of the right-wing Otzma Yehudit party has threatened to withdraw from Netanyahu's government if the deal is ratified. Ben-Gvir criticized the arrangement as "reckless" and detrimental to the perceived gains made during the conflict, although he specified that his party would not push for the government’s dissolution over the issue.

Adding to the complex equation, a senior Hamas official has confirmed their commitment to the agreement, with key figures like Khalil al-Hayya communicating acceptance to Qatari and Egyptian mediators. Reports indicate Hamas desires to augment the list of Palestinian prisoners to be swapped in the deal.

The first phase of the arrangement aims to facilitate the exchange of 33 hostages— including women, children, and the elderly— for Palestinian detainees within Israel. Additionally, it stipulates the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the eastern regions of Gaza and the re-entry of displaced Palestinians to their homes, along with significant humanitarian aid flows.

Continued Israeli air strikes have occurred post-announcement, with reports of further casualties in Gaza City. During the tense circumstances, the Prime Minister of Qatar has urged both parties to maintain calm ahead of the imminent ceasefire, anticipated to begin on Sunday, should implementation be confirmed.

The current hostilities stem from a major Israeli offensive against Hamas, prompted by a surprise cross-border attack on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities and 251 hostages taken. Since then, estimates indicate that over 46,788 individuals have died in Gaza, alongside widespread displacement and critical shortages of necessities such as food, water, and medical supplies. Reports suggest that 94 hostages are still held by Hamas, with 34 presumed deceased, thus underlining the ongoing humanitarian crisis.