Netanyahu’s ceasefire deal faces backlash

Netanyahu’s ceasefire deal faces backlash

Politics

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that an agreement has been reached for the return of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, after initially declaring that there were last-minute obstacles to finalizing a ceasefire that would pause the 15-month war, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

Netanyahu said he would convene his security cabinet later on Friday, and then the Government would approve the long-awaited agreement for the release of hostages.

This statement by Netanyahu seems to pave the way for Israel's approval of the deal, which calls for a halt to fighting in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages held by radical fighters in Gaza in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The agreement would also allow for the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to their homes in Gaza, reports REL.

The Israeli Prime Minister mentioned that he had instructed a special task force to prepare for the reception of the hostages returning from Gaza, and their families have been informed that the agreement has been reached.

On Thursday, Israel postponed the vote on the ceasefire, blaming Hamas—the Palestinian group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union—for last-minute disagreements, while growing tensions within Netanyahu's governing coalition added concerns about the implementation of the agreement.

On Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden and mediator Qatar had announced that the deal was finalized. Netanyahu's office accused Hamas of rejecting parts of the agreement in an attempt to gain further concessions. In a press conference on Thursday, Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer stated that Hamas had made new demands, which were related to the deployment of Israeli forces in the Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow strip of land on the border with Egypt that Israeli troops took control of in May of last year.

Hamas dismissed these accusations, with senior group official Izzat al-Rishq declaring that Hamas is "committed to the ceasefire agreement, which was made public by the mediators."

The ceasefire agreement has faced strong resistance from Netanyahu's coalition partners, on whom his hold on power depends. On Thursday, hardline National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to leave the Government if Israel approves the ceasefire agreement.

The ceasefire agreement would pause the 15-month war that has rocked the Middle East and sparked protests worldwide. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people and abducting about 250 others.

Israel responded with a devastating offensive, which has left more than 46,000 Palestinians dead in Gaza.

Tags

Related articles

UK Sanctions Target Shor Crime Ring
President Maia Sandu has praised the United Kingdom's sanctions on individuals and entities linked to the Shor crime ring.
Greece's Defence Transformation: Mitsotakis' Address
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed the Greek Parliament on Wednesday, outlining a comprehensive transformation of Greece's armed forces.
Moldova-U.S. Partnership Talks in Washington
Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Popșoi, met with U.S. officials in Washington to discuss strengthening the strategic partnership, regional security, and Moldova’s European integration.
Gerapetritis at NATO Meetings in Brussels
Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis will join NATO member-state foreign ministers in Brussels on April 3 and 4.
Iliescu and Roman to Stand Trial for 1990 Mineriad
Former president Ion Iliescu and former prime minister Petre Roman have been sent to trial by the General Prosecutor's Office over their involvement in the June 1990 Mineriad, a violent miners' riot, on charges of crimes against humanity.
Greece Bans Surrogacy for Same-Sex Male Couples
The Greek Minister of Justice, George Floridis, has introduced new legislation that prevents same-sex male couples and single men from becoming parents through surrogacy.
Ukraine Starts Talks with US on Mineral Deal
Ukraine announced on Tuesday that it has started consultations with the United States on a proposed new mineral agreement.
Germany’s Foreign Minister to Visit Moldova
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock will visit Chisinau on April 2-3.