Hamas Restates Commitment to Ceasefire Amid Israeli Allegations
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Synopsis
Hamas has confirmed its commitment to a ceasefire with Israel amid accusations that it attempted to change the agreement's terms. The Israeli cabinet is awaiting confirmation of Hamas's acceptance before proceeding with ratification.
Key Takeaways
- Hamas reaffirms ceasefire commitment.
- Israeli officials accuse Hamas of reneging.
- Violence continues despite ceasefire announcement.
- Negotiations ongoing in Doha.
- Deal includes prisoner exchange and aims for lasting peace.
Gaza, Jan 16 (NationPress) On Thursday, Hamas reiterated its pledge to uphold the ceasefire agreement with Israel, shortly after officials from Israel accused the Palestinian militant organization of trying to modify the terms of the deal at the last minute.
"We are dedicated to the ceasefire agreement declared by the mediators," stated senior Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq, addressing claims from Israel's Prime Minister's Office that Hamas had deviated from crucial elements of the arrangement in an attempt to secure last-minute concessions. Israeli officials mentioned that the cabinet would not meet until mediators verify Hamas's complete acceptance of the agreement.
As per Israeli public radio, the session meant to ratify the agreement has been postponed. Negotiators are currently in Doha, working to finalize the list of Palestinian prisoners set for release, despite Qatar announcing a significant breakthrough on Wednesday.
In the meantime, violence has surged. Palestinian civil defense officials reported that at least 77 Palestinians, including 21 children and 25 women, lost their lives due to Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Thursday. These attacks took place even after Qatar announced a ceasefire intended to commence on Sunday.
"Despite the agreement, the Israeli army continues its bombing to this moment, in clear violation of the ceasefire," remarked Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza's Civil Defense Authority. The Israeli military has yet to respond to these allegations, according to Xinhua news agency.
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri condemned the airstrikes as a "desperate attempt" by Israel to sabotage the deal, calling on the United States to ensure Israel's compliance with the agreement.
During a press conference on Wednesday in Doha, where the ceasefire negotiations took place, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani stated that the agreement, effective Sunday, includes the exchange of hostages and prisoners and aims to restore sustainable calm leading to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
While the eagerly awaited deal marks a step toward peace in the region, analysts contend that since it fails to address the deeply rooted issues driving the Israel-Palestine conflict, the journey toward lasting peace in the Middle East remains laden with uncertainty.
