Hamas Denies Israeli Accusations of Reneging on Gaza Ceasefire Deal
Jakarta – Two senior leaders of Hamas have firmly denied Israeli accusations that the Palestinian group is reneging on elements of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The deal, announced the day before, aims to halt the ongoing conflict and secure the release of hostages. Though, Israeli media reports suggest that the government’s ratification of the agreement might potentially be delayed due to internal disagreements within the ruling coalition.
as reported by AFP on Thursday (16/1/2024), two members of Hamas’s political bureau rejected a statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which claimed the group was attempting to “extort last-minute concessions” by defying the deal’s provisions.
“There is no basis for Netanyahu’s claims about the movement defying the provisions of the ceasefire agreement,” Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told AFP.
Another member of the political bureau, izzat al-Rishq, echoed this sentiment in a separate statement: “Hamas is committed to the ceasefire agreement, announced by the mediators.”
Netanyahu’s office had previously stated that Israel‘s cabinet would not convene to vote on the deal until mediators confirmed that Hamas had accepted all its elements. The agreement, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, comes after months of failed negotiations.
At midnight on Wednesday (15/1), Netanyahu’s office announced that “final details” were still being negotiated, and the prime minister would refrain from commenting until a full deal was agreed upon.
The delay in finalizing the agreement has been attributed to a crisis within the Israeli government coalition. Right-wing Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a vocal opponent of any deal to end the war, has reportedly caused meaningful friction.
Citing a source close to the talks, Israeli public broadcaster Kan revealed that Netanyahu sought to protect the integrity of his government but faced a “real threat” from Smotrich. On wednesday (15/1), Smotrich labeled the agreement a “dangerous deal” for Israel’s security. His party, Religious Zionism, issued a statement on thursday (16/1) expressing strong opposition to the deal and supporting the finance minister.
The ceasefire agreement, expected to end the 15-month-long war, is structured in three stages. The first stage, set to begin on Sunday (19/1), includes a 42-day ceasefire, the exchange of 33 hostages for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, and increased aid for the devastated Gaza Strip.
Key Details of the Ceasefire Agreement
| Stage | Details |
|———–|————-|
| first Stage | Ceasefire begins on 19/1; 33 hostages exchanged for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners; increased aid to Gaza |
| Second Stage | Details to be announced |
| Third Stage | Details to be announced |
The deal represents a critical step toward ending the prolonged conflict, though internal political challenges in Israel and Hamas’s commitment to the agreement remain pivotal to its success.
For more updates on the evolving situation in Gaza, stay tuned to our coverage.
Inside the Gaza Ceasefire Deal: Challenges, Negotiations, and the Path to Peace
The recent gaza ceasefire agreement, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, has captured global attention as a potential turning point in the 15-month-long conflict. However, accusations from Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Hamas is reneging on the deal, coupled with internal political strife within the Israeli government, have cast doubt on its immediate implementation. To unpack the complexities of this delicate situation, World Today News Senior Editor Sarah Collins sits down with Dr. Amir Khoury, a Middle East policy expert and Professor of International Relations at Columbia university, for an in-depth discussion.
The Negotiation Process: Brokering Peace Amidst Tension
Sarah collins: Dr. Khoury, the ceasefire agreement comes after months of failed negotiations. Can you walk us through the role of the mediators—egypt,Qatar,and the United States—in reaching this deal?
Dr. Amir Khoury: Certainly,Sarah. The involvement of these three nations was critical. egypt has historically played a mediating role in Israeli-Palestinian conflicts due to its geographic proximity and political leverage.Qatar,with its financial resources and ties to Hamas,has been instrumental in facilitating dialog. The United States,as a long-standing ally of Israel,brought diplomatic weight and ensured that Israel’s security concerns were addressed. together, they created a framework that aimed to balance the demands of both sides.
Israeli Internal Politics: A Barrier to agreement?
Sarah Collins: Reports suggest that internal disagreements within the Israeli government, particularly from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, are delaying the ratification of the deal. How important is this friction?
Dr. Amir Khoury: The friction is very significant. Smotrich represents the far-right faction of the Israeli government, which views any compromise with Hamas as a threat to national security. His opposition has created a “real threat” to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s ability to secure unanimous cabinet approval. This internal discord not only slows down the process but also raises questions about the stability of the current coalition government.
Hamas’s Commitment: Denials and Defiance
Sarah Collins: Hamas leaders have denied Netanyahu’s accusations that they are reneging on the deal. What does this back-and-forth mean for the agreement’s future?
Dr. Amir Khoury: It highlights the fragility of the agreement. Hamas’s public commitment to the deal is crucial for its success, but Netanyahu’s accusations suggest that there may still be unresolved issues. This could be a tactical move by either side to gain last-minute concessions. Ultimately, the mediators will need to step in to clarify the terms and ensure both parties are on the same page.
The Three-Stage Ceasefire: What we certainly know So Far
sarah Collins: The agreement is structured in three stages, with the first set to begin on Sunday, January 19. can you elaborate on what this initial stage entails?
Dr. Amir Khoury: The first stage includes a 42-day ceasefire, the exchange of 33 Israeli hostages for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. These are confidence-building measures designed to lay the groundwork for the subsequent stages. While details of the second and third stages are still under wraps, they are expected to address longer-term issues such as the reconstruction of Gaza and the normalization of relations.
Prospects for Peace: Challenges Ahead
Sarah Collins: Despite the agreement, there are still significant hurdles. What are the key challenges that could derail this process?
Dr.Amir Khoury: The biggest challenges are political. In Israel, the far-right’s opposition to the deal could force Netanyahu to backtrack. On the Palestinian side, Hamas’s ability to enforce the ceasefire among its factions is uncertain. Additionally, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire, and if aid is not delivered swiftly, it could undermine trust. The international community must remain vigilant and ensure that both parties adhere to their commitments.
Looking Ahead: A Path to Lasting Peace?
sarah Collins: Dr. Khoury, do you believe this agreement could pave the way for a more sustainable peace in the region?
Dr. Amir Khoury: While this deal is a crucial step, it is indeed not a silver bullet. Sustainable peace will require addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the lack of a unified Palestinian leadership.Though, if this ceasefire holds, it could create an environment conducive to broader negotiations.The road ahead is long, but this agreement offers a glimmer of hope.
Sarah Collins: Thank you, Dr. Khoury, for your insights. It’s clear that while the ceasefire agreement is a significant growth, its success hinges on political will and international support.
For more updates on the evolving situation in Gaza and the Middle east, stay tuned to World Today News.
