Netanyahu accuses Hamas of backtracking on ceasefire deal

Only hours after the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas was announced, Tel Aviv launched a volley of attacks on Gaza City, killing at least 46 people. Gaza Civil Defense reported that over 20 individuals died in a strike on a residential block, while another attack claimed 15 lives and injured 20 others.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has since accused Hamas of undermining the agreement, delaying its approval by the Israeli Cabinet. Netanyahu's office stated that Hamas had introduced "last-minute crises," seeking additional concessions, though specific details were not disclosed.

Despite the setback, a senior Hamas official reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the truce and hostage release deal, which was brokered after months of mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The ceasefire is expected to take effect on Sunday.

Ceasefire Agreement: A Fragile Accord

The ceasefire agreement marks a significant, albeit fragile, step toward halting the 15 months of relentless bloodshed in Gaza. The accord proposes a six-week cessation of hostilities, with provisions for the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel.

The deal also aims to facilitate humanitarian aid and allow displaced Gazans to return to their homes, many of which have been destroyed in the conflict. More than 46,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the violence that has ravaged the region, according to local health officials.

US President Joe Biden welcomed the agreement, highlighting its potential to "halt the fighting in Gaza" and provide essential humanitarian assistance. A senior Biden administration official credited the involvement of president-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, as instrumental in reaching the accord.

Ongoing Violence Overshadows Agreement

Even as the ceasefire announcement was met with celebrations, violence in Gaza continued. Overnight Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least 73 people, including 20 children and 25 women, according to Gaza's civil defense agency. Another 230 people were reported injured.

Gaza militants also fired a rocket into Israel, although it caused no casualties. The escalation underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the challenges mediators face in maintaining peace ahead of the truce's implementation.

Ceasefire’s Key Provisions

The complex agreement includes:

• A six-week halt to hostilities.
• Gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
• Release of hostages by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
• The accord has sparked hope for temporary stability in a region marred by protracted violence. However, the continuation of Israeli strikes and retaliatory actions by Hamas threaten to derail the fragile truce.

Regional and International Implications

As Gaza reels from devastating losses, the ceasefire offers a glimmer of relief to millions affected by the conflict. Mediators, including Qatar, Egypt, and the US, are working to ensure the accord holds. However, the ongoing violence highlights the urgent need for robust enforcement mechanisms to prevent further bloodshed and restore regional stability.

The world now waits to see if both parties can adhere to the terms of the ceasefire, bringing a momentary pause to the cycle of violence that has gripped the Middle East.