‘The Israeli Cabinet will not convene until the mediators notify Israel that Hamas has accepted all elements of the agreement,’ said Benjamin Netanyahu’s office
Hamas has reneged on parts of the ceasefire agreement announced on Wednesday in an effort to extort last-minute concessions, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said on Thursday.
Recommended Videos
“The Israeli Cabinet will not convene until the mediators notify Israel that Hamas has accepted all elements of the agreement,” according to the PMO.
Hamas Political Bureau member Ezzat al-Rishq was quoted by Channel 12 News, responding to the statement from the PMO: “Hamas is committed to the ceasefire agreement announced by the mediators.”
A party official called the crisis “serious and real,” according to Channel 12.
Israeli forces are to gradually withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border. The withdrawal will begin on the 42nd day of the first phase, after the release of the final hostage for the phase, and is to be completed by the 50th day.
However, Channel 12 News reported on Thursday that according to a “senior government source,” Israel will not withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor in the first stage, and the second stage will not proceed unless Hamas agrees to relinquish control of Gaza.
The Rafah Crossing to Egypt will be prepared for civilian and medical evacuations immediately after the agreement is signed.
Netanyahu spoke on Wednesday night with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and thanked him for his help forging the ceasefire agreement.
“The prime minister made it clear that he is committed to returning all of the hostages however he can and commended the U.S. president-elect for his remarks that the U.S. would work with Israel to ensure that Gaza will never be a haven for terrorism,” according to a statement from Jerusalem.
Netanyahu shortly thereafter spoke with U.S. President Joe Biden and “thanked him for his assistance in advancing the hostage deal.”